Business Licensing & Operations, Huntington

If you live in Huntington or are thinking about moving there, business licensing & operations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Huntington has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of business licensing & operations, and some of them might surprise you.

Pawnbrokers

Huntington requires anyone running a pawnshop, called a collateral loan broker under state law, to hold a Town Clerk license before opening. The annual fee is $250, backed by a $10,000 bond, with continuing education mandated for the licensee and any designated store manager.

Key details: License authority: Town Clerk. Annual license fee: $250. Required bond: $10,000. Continuing education (broker): 12 hours per 2-year cycle. Continuing education (manager): 8 hours per 2-year cycle.

Operating without a license, or violating any provision of Chapter 96, is punishable by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 under § 96-18. The Bureau of Administrative Adjudication can impose the same range of monetary penalties. Separately, under § 51 of the General Business Law, the Town Clerk may suspend or revoke a license and impose the maximum fines authorized by state law after a hearing.

Compared to other cities, Huntington takes a harder line on pawnbrokers. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Towing Companies

A tow operator cannot pull a car from a Huntington parking lot without a written owner agreement, posted warning signs, same-day police notice, and 24/7 vehicle release. Non-consent towing outside those steps violates Town Code Chapter 183, Article VI.

Key details: Governing article: Town Code Ch. 183, Art. VI, §§ 183-28 to 183-34. Written agreement filed with: Town Clerk and Huntington Precinct Commander. Filing frequency: Not less than annually. Sign requirement: "WARNING - TOW AWAY ZONE" 4-inch red letters. Vehicle release: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Violating Chapter 183, including the private-property towing article, is an offense under § 183-55: a first offense carries a fine of $350 to $1,500 or up to 15 days in jail, or both, and each day a violation continues is a separate offense. A second offense within five years runs $650 to $3,000, and a third within five years runs $1,250 to $5,000 with permit revocation for at least one year for vehicle operators. The Town Attorney may also seek civil penalties of up to $500 per day and injunctive relief, and unpaid civil penalties can be added to the property's tax bill.

This is one of the stricter rules in Huntington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Adult Entertainment

The Town of Huntington bars any adult establishment within 1,500 feet of a school, religious institution, park, library, museum or hospital, or within 1,500 feet of another adult use, and caps each at 2,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Key details: Separation from sensitive receptors: 1,500 ft (schools, churches, parks). Separation between adult uses: 1,500 feet apart. Size cap: 2,000 sq ft gross floor area. Adult-materials sale buffer: 500 ft from school/church. Governing code: Town Code § 198-71(C).

An adult establishment sited inside a 1,500-foot buffer, sharing a lot with another, or exceeding 2,000 square feet is nonconforming and cannot open; existing nonconforming uses face amortization and forced termination ordered by the Zoning Board of Appeals.

This is one of the stricter rules in Huntington's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Huntington is tougher than many cities when it comes to business licensing & operations. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Huntington, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Huntington's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.