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What kind of attorney do I need?

by rockerpeople, Window Shopper

  • Created: April 10, 2009, 11:48 am
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6 comments

We would like to find an attorney in the Springfield, MO area that can help us with issues pertaining to what we feel is discrimination against small business. We have a small rv park and recently added 3 motel rooms to our main building. The state (MODOT) will not allow us to place our business on the Interstate Logos signs since we only have 3 rooms. Nor will they allow us to add 'Motel' to our existing sign. That means we have no way of putting our business out there. Any ideas from anyone? Are we being discriminated against for being too small. Thanks, Terry

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Other Business Issues
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CharlotteW | Former Moderator | 4/13/2009 - 1:53 pm

Hello Terry, According to the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 315.005 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Regulations, 'Lodging establishment' is defined as any building, group of buildings, structure, facility, place, or places of business where five or more guest rooms are provided... I believe that because your business has 3 rooms it is not categorized by the state motel regulations and that is why MODOT is not supporting your requests.

rockerpeople | Window Shopper | 4/13/2009 - 2:38 pm

Show Replied Text…
Hello Terry, According to the Missouri Revised Statutes Section 315.005 Hotel, Motel, and Resort Regulations, 'Lodging establishment' is defined as any building, group of buildings, structure, facility, place, or places of business where five or more guest rooms are provided... I believe that because your business has 3 rooms it is not categorized by the state motel regulations and that is why MODOT is not supporting your requests.
Charlotte, Actually, we were told we had to have 10 rooms. That is why we think it is discriminatory. Just because we only have 3 rooms doesn't mean we shouldn't be afforded the same opportunities as the larger businesses. Anyway, we did write them back to see if they will take into account the fact that we also have 16 RV spaces. Maybe they will combine the two lodging venues we have and put us out there. If not, we will go the attorney route.  Thanks for your response. Terry

chashotelrooms | Window Shopper | 12/21/2009 - 7:15 am

Rocker, I think an attorney is going to tell you the law existed before your business did and your business did not meet the criteria when it was built. You should have gotten more direction when you got your permit to build the three rooms and also business license to operate as a motel. You may qualify for a bed and breakfast depending on what the regulations are in your state. In Charleston there are an number of bed and breakfasts that only have 3 rooms. Message Edited by NicoleD on 12-21-2009 08:17 AM

rockerpeople | Window Shopper | 12/21/2009 - 8:41 am

I appreciate the post reply, though the situation is now resolved. The state caved and let us put our motel rooms on the sign along with our rv park. Actually, it saved us quite a bit of money. Thanks

ChristineL | Former Moderator | 12/21/2009 - 11:55 am

Congratulations! I'm glad the situation worked out!

mrhelpful | Contributor | 12/21/2009 - 7:52 pm

the power of perseverance wins again.