Youngstown council to mull permit process

YOUNGSTOWN — City council will consider a proposal Wednesday to streamline Youngstown’s laws on obtaining permits for parades, block parties and other events on public streets or rights of way.

The new process would make it easier for both city officials and those seeking permits, said Law Director Martin Hume and Michael McGiffin, coordinator of downtown events and special projects.

“The new permit asks a lot more questions, but it allows us to see exactly what the event is and what is needed,” McGiffin said. “It’s almost like a checklist.”

The current system has two forms – one that asks a handful of questions and another that requires a temporary zoning-use permit that includes obtaining the signatures of a dozen people.

Under the proposal, the temporary zoning-use permit would be needed only for events lasting seven or more days.

That zoning-use permit costs $25 while the other permit for parades, block parties and other assemblages is free.

Under the proposal, it would cost $25 for the single-permit form.

That doesn’t include the expense of police officers acting as security for events.

Also, there would be other fees and deposits that still need to be worked out, Hume and McGiffin said.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com