Businesses, be aware of zoning administration

Dear Editor,

It has come to my attention after receiving a fine in the mail from the Zoning Administrator that even if you put a sign on your own building that you pay taxes on, that you must apply for a permit. Even if the new sign is in the EXACT location as the prior sign.

After talking to multiple businesses on and off the square, none were aware of this “permit” and also were fined. Out of nine businesses (including myself), only one business was aware of this rule. The one business that was aware of this happened to have a friend on the “inside” otherwise, said business owner said she would have been fined as well.

This is super frustrating as small businesses work hard to stay afloat and COVID-19 impacted us greatly as well. As I write this letter, I know you are not the zoning committee and you can do nothing about my fine. But what am hoping to do is make other businesses aware that before they buy a business or replace a sign, make sure you go through the proper procedures to obtain a permit. Don’t be like us other eight businesses and end up paying double because we were completely blindsided.

I feel as though the zoning administration should mail out or hand each business a packet of rules and regulations. Or just even verbally saying something to us would save business owners a lot of frustration over this particular matter. It would not be that difficult to say something when we are in the municipal building putting utilities in our names. This shady business by the zoning administration is not beneficial in keeping Broken Bow a town which people want to continue to visit. All it does is create anger, discontent, and turmoil.

New businesses and businesses that want to update, be aware! File for a permit. Don’t let the city have more of your hard earned money!

Courtney Kusek

Broken Bow