ITEM TITLE:
Consider a request to waive requirements for permits and fees for residential (garage) sale permits for City-wide Garage sales scheduled for the month of July 2022 and allow the residences to hold the residential sale for up to 5 days, in order to promote citizen participation in the event.
INITIATOR: Janet Smith, Director of Planning & Community Services
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Janet Smith, Director of Planning & Community Services, Charlotte Brown, License & Permits Supervisor
BACKGROUND: License & Permits staff has had a request to waive the residential Garage Sale permit fee for two City-wide Garage Sales, being promoted by the Facebook group called “The Lawton Grapevine”. The dates planned are July 20-24 for the East side of Lawton and July 27-31 for the West side of Lawton. The permit fee set by ordinance is $5.75 per residence and states that each residential sale be no more than 3 days and does not exceed 4 times a year with a minimum of 30 days between sales. These stipulations restrict a resident from holding ongoing garage sales that could potentially create traffic congestion in residential neighborhoods.
EXHIBIT: Residential Sales Fee Schedule
KEY ISSUES: Would the City Council consider allowing an extension of the days allowed to increase from 3 to 5 days? Would the City Council consider waiving the cost of the permit? Would the City Council consider establishing by ordinance to allow Neighborhood Garage Sales at a particular time during the year? Would the City Council consider waiving the permit and the normal fees established by municipal code during these designated times?
FUNDING SOURCE: N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Approve the request to waive requirements for permits and fees for residential (garage) sale permits for City-wide Garage sales scheduled for the month of July 2022 and allow the residences to hold the residential sale for up to 5 days, in order to promote citizen participation in the event.