Newton Falls raises fees for street vendor permits

By ERIC GROSSO

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NEWTON FALLS — Street vendors in Newton Falls will have a substantially higher price to pay for doing business.

City council voted Monday to amend the street vendor ordinance, raising permit fees to $100, up from $25. The permits can be renewed monthly for $50, up from $10.

Each time the vendors change a location, they must buy a new permit, according to the ordinance.

It was the first reading of the amended ordinance; it will have to pass a second reading later this month for changes to take effect.

The planning and zoning board came up with the fees after looking at surrounding communities.

“We’re not trying to stop vendors from coming into the city. We’re trying to give it some structure and control,” said Councilman Ralph Gillespie. “The changes are more than adequate.”

Newton Falls had two vendors apply for permits this year: a hot dog stand located on Milton Boulevard, and a stand selling ribs. The original ordinance had been in place since 1991.

Against the amendment

Councilman Eric Thompson voted against amending the ordinance, saying it didn’t meet the intent that was discussed last month. He said last month that he wanted the city to look into the actual costs of giving a permit to determine the fee.

Councilman Steve Marcum also voted against amending the ordinance.

In addition to the fee changes, vendors would now provide proof they have registered with the city’s income tax department and show proof of insurance. They are also required to show a passing board of health inspection of serving food.

Also added Monday, vendors are prohibited from using 20 percent of the lot the permit is issued for.

Exemptions added to the ordinance include a vendor “selling a product manufactured by himself” or “selling food products which he has grown.” Minors under the age of 18 and people selling baked goods were listed as exempt under the current ordinance.

Also, vendors cannot sell in “any municipal park, municipal playground, or other municipal ground” without written permission from the city manager.