Delete WardAug 18, 2025
Council recently passed legislation to reduce crime in public garages and parking lots downtown. The legislation now requires applicants for licenses to specifically identify their security measures when applying for a new license or renewal. They must detail necessary security measures aimed at minimizing instances of criminal behavior. Their safety plan would then be reviewed by the Chief of Police for approval before issuing the license to operate.
After conducting an initial review, the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses would then send the application to the Chief of Police for further evaluation of the safety plan. Each plan will be individually reviewed on a case-by-case basis, distinct from one another, as all parking facilities are different. The Chief has the authority to request additional information before rendering a decision. If denied, the applicant may submit a revised safety plan for a second review or appeal the Chief’s decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals. If approved, the applicant’s license will be valid for one year.
Also, under this legislation, all operators, regardless of location, would be required to:
• display signage outlining security measures that are in place on the premises;
• adhere to standard lighting requirements;
• take all reasonable steps to ensure that all parking fees collected at the facility are paid directly to the operator; and
• maintain their lots by properly grading for water drainage, utilizing appropriate surfacing materials, and keeping them in good condition, free of debris and trash.
If three or more nuisance activities or other criminal violations are found to have occurred on separate occasions within any six months on the lot or garage property, CDP may require the licensee to submit a revised safety plan that addresses the nuisances/crimes. If the licensee does not comply or the revised security measures are deemed insufficient by the Chief of Police, CDP would have the power – under this new legislation – to conduct a hearing with the licensee that could lead to revocation of their license.
This legislation also provides for civil penalties. Those who violate certain sections (e.g., failing to maintain their lot or comply with their safety plan) would be subject to a $200 civil penalty for each offense. Those who operate without a license would be subject to a $1,000 penalty for the first offense and a $3,000 penalty for each offense thereafter.
The safety plan provisions focus on parking facilities downtown (Downtown Core, Warehouse, Erieview, and Gateway areas) as a pilot to establish best practices and operational efficiency before a potential citywide rollout. See the presentation for Ord. No. 726-2025.