Anniston to begin inforcing business license fees on rental property owners

Around 1,800 property owners in the city of Anniston  received notices last month that they owed the city of Anniston a fee for renting or leasing their properties.

Starting Oct. 31, the city will charge owners and managers of residential and commercial rental properties an annual business license fee to operate in Anniston. However, owners of multiple properties are receiving notices whether they are in the rental business or not. City officials say they are still working out the kinks to determine who actually owes the fee.

According to the city's notice, property owners who received it but are not renting or leasing their property may be exempt from obtaining a business license. Reasons for exemption could include owning a second, unoccupied property or owning a second home that is occupied with family members.

The license fee is part of an ordinance that's been on the books for seven years, but has never been enforced.