Is there not a Trade License Act that states the requirements or can the rules be changed by simple town board decision? I am really not sure.

I had to get a police record for my Belizean passport, so I went to Belmopan and got it in a week.

I got my first work permit 10 yrs ago and also had to get my police record, or police no-record record. All the folks since then also had to provide one. It took me about 4 weeks. Last year a friend got his in two weeks.
Wait til you apply for residency and they do a INTERPOL background check!!!!!!! That takes a bit more patience....