2737 ORDINANCE NO. 7 3 7
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR
EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE FOR CERTAIN TEMPORARY
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES OPERATED BY MINORS FROM 5-17
YEARS OF AGE WITHIN THE CITY OF.WEST MEMPHIS,
ARKANSAS; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
WHEREAS, the City of West Memphis recognizes the value of teaching
young people responsibility, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, customer
service, and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, temporary youth operated activities such as lemonade stands,
bake sales, lawn care services, car washes, and similar ventures provide valuable
educational opportunities for children and teenagers; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that low risk, temporary youth
Entrepreneurial activities should be encouraged while maintaining reasonable
protections for public health, safety, and welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF.THE CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1. PURPOSE •
The purpose of this Ordinance is to encourage youth entrepreneurship by exempting certain
temporary, low risk business fees
operated by minors from municipal permitting and licensing requirements.
SECTION 2. DEFINITIONS •
For purposes of this Ordinance:
A. "Youth Entrepreneur"means an individual under the age of eighteen(18)years (5-17 years).
B. "Youth Entrepreneur Activity"means a temporary, low risk business activity conducted by a
Youth Entrepreneur, including but not limited to:
1. Lemonade stands; S
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2. Beverage stands;
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3. Bake sales; •
4. Cookie sales;
5. Lawn mowing and yard maintenance services;
6. Car washes;
7. Pet sitting and dog walking services;
8. Tutoring services;
9. Seasonal sales activities; and
10.Other similar activities approved by the Mayor or his designee.
SECTION 3. EXEMPTION FROM PERMITS AND LICENSES
A. A Youth Entrepreneur Activity meeting the requirements of this Ordinance shall be exempt
from any municipal business license,permit,temporary vendor permit, or similar approval
otherwise required by the City of West Memphis.
B.No fee shall be charged by the City for any activity exempted under this Ordinance.
SECTION 4. REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the exemption, a Youth Entrepreneur Activity must:
A. Be operated primarily by one or more individuals under the age of eighteen(18) 5-17 years;
B. Be conducted on private property with the permission of the property owner, or at a location
approved by the City;
C.Not obstruct public streets, sidewalks, rights of way,utility easements, fire lanes, or
emergency access routes;
D.Not create a traffic hazard or unsafe condition;
E.Not involve the sale of alcoholic beverages,tobacco products,vaping products, firearms,
ammunition, illegal activities or other regulated products;
F. Comply with all applicable state and federal laws; and
a Be conducted in a manner that does not create a public nuisance.
SECTION 5. SAFETY AUTHORITY PRESERVED
Nothing in this Ordinance shall limit the authority of the West Memphis Police Department, Fire
Department, Code Enforcement Division, or any other City department to address:
A. Unsafe conditions;
B. Traffic hazards;
C. Fire hazards;
D. Public health concerns;
E. Fraudulent activities; or
F. Any condition poses an immediate threat to public safety.
SECTION 6. YOUTH ENTREPRENEUR RECOGNITION PROGRAM
The Mayor or his designee is authorized to establish a voluntary Youth Entrepreneur
Recognition Program through which participating youth may receive honorary certificates,
commemorative permits; educational materials, or public recognition. Participation in such
program shall be voluntary and shall not be required for the exemption established by this
Ordinance and receive a Mayor Entrepreneur Certificate from City Hall.
SECTION 7. SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
SECTION 8. REPEALER
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of
such conflict.
SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its passage and publication as provided
by law.
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PASSED AND APPROVED THIS DAY O 2W , 2026.
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MARCO MCCLENDON,Mayor
ATTEST: .
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PATRICIA BOYD JOPLIN, City Clerk
SPONSORED BY:
RECEIVED
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