City of Mingus, Texas

Title VI – Business and Commerce

Adopted by Ordinance No. 2025-__, effective ________ 2025

Chapter 6.01 – General Provisions

Sec. 6.01.001 Purpose and Intent

This Title regulates business activities within the City of Mingus to protect public health, safety, and welfare and to ensure fair commerce consistent with the City’s small-town character and zoning standards.

Sec. 6.01.002 Definitions

Business – Any trade, occupation, profession, or commercial enterprise operated for gain or benefit.
Peddler or Vendor – Any person engaged in door-to-door or temporary sales of goods or services.
Short-Term Rental (STR) – A residential unit offered for rent for less than 30 consecutive days.
Alcoholic Beverage – As defined in the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code.
Permit – Written authorization issued by the City for a regulated activity.

Sec. 6.01.003 Business License Requirement

Except as exempted by state law, no person shall engage in a trade or business within the City without first obtaining any required license or permit from the City or state agency having jurisdiction.

Sec. 6.01.004 Display of License

All licenses and permits issued under this Title must be displayed conspicuously at the place of business or carried by mobile vendors while conducting business within the City.

Sec. 6.01.005 Revocation and Suspension

The City may suspend or revoke any permit or license for violation of law or City ordinance after notice and opportunity for hearing before the City Council or its designee.

Chapter 6.02 – Peddlers, Solicitors, and Itinerant Vendors

Sec. 6.02.001 Permit Required

All peddlers and solicitors must obtain a City permit prior to conducting sales or solicitations within City limits. Exemptions include charitable organizations, school fundraisers, and governmental activities.

Sec. 6.02.002 Application and Fee

Applicants must submit a completed application, proof of identity, and pay a permit fee set by the City Council in the fee schedule. Permits expire one year from issuance unless revoked sooner.

Sec. 6.02.003 Operating Hours and Conduct

Soliciting may occur only between 9 a.m. and sunset unless invited by the occupant.
No person may enter posted property marked “No Soliciting.”
Peddlers must carry their permit at all times and present it upon request.

Sec. 6.02.004 Revocation and Penalty

Permits may be revoked for misrepresentation, fraud, or violations of this Chapter. Violations are punishable as provided in § 6.06.002.

Chapter 6.03 – Short-Term Rentals and Lodging

Sec. 6.03.001 Registration Required

Owners of short-term rentals must register with the City annually and provide contact information for a local responsible party available 24 hours a day during occupancy.

Sec. 6.03.002 Operational Standards

Each unit must maintain adequate off-street parking and trash service.
Occupancy limits may be set by fire and building codes.
Outdoor noise and nuisances are subject to Title IX (public peace regulations).

Sec. 6.03.003 Tax and Compliance

All short-term rentals must collect and remit the state hotel occupancy tax and any local tax required by ordinance.

Sec. 6.03.004 Suspension or Revocation

The City may suspend or revoke a registration for repeated violations or failure to maintain the property in safe and sanitary condition.

Chapter 6.04 – Alcoholic Beverage Sales and Consumption

Sec. 6.04.001 Compliance with State Law

All sales, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages within the City shall comply with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code and any local-option elections governing wet or dry status.

Sec. 6.04.002 Distance Requirements

No alcoholic beverage establishment may locate within 300 feet of a church, public school, or public hospital, except as allowed by state law or variance approved by City Council.

Sec. 6.04.003 Hours of Sale

Hours of sale shall be as established by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for cities of the same classification as Mingus. The City may further restrict hours by ordinance if necessary for public peace and safety.

Chapter 6.05 – Business Signs and Advertising

Sec. 6.05.001 Purpose

This Chapter establishes minimum standards for business signs and advertising to maintain a safe and aesthetically pleasing community.

Sec. 6.05.002 Permit Required

Permanent business signs require a permit from the City Administrator or Building Official prior to installation. Temporary banners or event signs may be allowed for up to 14 days without a permit if securely mounted and non-hazardous.

Sec. 6.05.003 Prohibited Signs

Signs obstructing traffic visibility or right-of-way.
Flashing or animated lights creating a safety hazard.
Abandoned or dilapidated signs visible from public streets.

Sec. 6.05.004 Maintenance and Removal

Owners are responsible for keeping signs in good repair. Non-conforming or unsafe signs may be ordered removed by the City after notice.

Chapter 6.06 – Enforcement and Penalties

Sec. 6.06.001 Enforcement

The City Administrator or designee shall enforce this Title. Police officers may issue citations or cease-and-desist orders for violations.

Sec. 6.06.002 Penalties

Violations of this Title are misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500 per day, except as otherwise provided for public health or safety offenses (up to $2,000).

Sec. 6.06.003 Civil Remedies

The City may seek injunctive relief or other civil remedies to abate violations and recover costs of enforcement.

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