Pay parking to require business permit: Dave

Councilor Dave Tumulak says establishments that exempt customers from parking fees in exchange for purchases won’t have to secure a business permit.
CDN File Photo

Business and property owners that charge parking fees will be required to secure business permits based on an amended provision of the City Tax ordinance.

This happened after the Cebu City Council approved an ordinance amending section 59 of City Tax Ordinance.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, who proposed the amendment, said section 59 of the ordinance had been amended based on reports that some lot owners and businesses were charging parking fees on portions of their parking areas.

He said the city doesn’t have an ordinance that requires these proprietors and operators to secure business permits.

Under National Building Code, Tumulak said establishments are required by law to provide parking spaces for their clients and customers.

But Tumulak said these establishments are now making money from their parking spaces.

Tumulak said it is now a common practice for establishments to collect parking fees which requires a separate license or permit for this purpose.

Before the amendment, establishments that collect parking fees are not required to secure a business permit. This ordinance also applies to malls which charge parking fees to their customers.

“There are establishments which required purchases for parking to be free as long as there is no payment involved and it’s acceptable. But if they will collect money then that’s a separate business already and they must secure permits,” Tumulak said.