If Passed, Applicants for a License to Operate a Public Parking Garage or Parking Lot Will be Required to Submit and Adhere to Safety Plans Approved by Chief of Police
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 — Cleveland — Mayor Justin M. Bibb announced new legislation his administration introduced yesterday to Cleveland City Council to cut down on crime in public garages and parking lots downtown. The legislation, if passed, would require applicants for licenses to specifically identify their own security measures when applying for a new license or renewal. Their safety plan would then be reviewed by the Chief of Police for approval prior to issuing the license to operate.
“I’ve said time and again that public safety is a group project – it shouldn’t fall solely on our police officers to monitor privately owned parking lots. We’ve engaged with several responsible facility operators across the city who support this legislation, as it levels the playing field and distinguishes them from those who fail to uphold proper safety standards,” said Mayor Bibb. “We want to create the best experience anytime someone comes downtown – whether that’s to catch a game, go out to eat, watch a show, or go to work – from the moment they arrive through the time they leave. Parking is a significant part of that experience and creates a lasting impression, which is why this legislation is so important.”
The proposed legislation is the latest installment of Mayor Bibb’s RISE Initiative – the most comprehensive crime reduction and law enforcement enhancement plan in the history of the City of Cleveland. RISE is a portfolio of multiple key investments, partnerships and enforcement strategies, technological advancements, and other Administration-led efforts to combat crime and to improve recruitment and retention within the Division of Police. Mayor Bibb’s RISE initiative and Summer Safety Plan had a major impact on reducing violent crime across the City of Cleveland last year that included a 36% decrease in homicides, a 22% decrease in grand theft-motor vehicles, hundreds of arrests, hundreds of gun seizures, and several lives saved.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Under the current process, those seeking a license submit their applications to the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses (A&L) that includes general information about their business, location, a site plan, and operational hours.
Pending council approval, the new process would require applicants for the downtown locations to also include a safety plan in their application that details necessary security measures aimed at minimizing instances of criminal behavior.
After conducting an initial review, the A&L Commissioner would then send the application to the Chief of Police for further evaluation of the safety plan. The Chief would then review and come to a determination on the adequacy of the safety measures to be implemented, considering a variety of factors such as – infrastructure (e.g. lighting and signage), staffing (e.g. patrolled by a security guard and/or other personnel), and technology (e.g. cameras and alarm systems). 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 from the applicant 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.
“Car break-ins and thefts are significant quality-of-life crimes that adversely affect our community’s perception of safety and overall well-being. This All-of-Community approach in Mayor Bibb’s RISE initiative is the right strategy to combat this issue,” said Cleveland Division of Police (CDP) Chief Dorothy Todd. "By working together in a more active role, lot owners and operators are becoming key partners in public safety. We appreciate our community partners, and we want to send a reminder that it takes all of us working together to keep our community safe."
ENFORCEMENT
Licensees will be required to comply with the security measures outlined in their approved safety plan. A conglomerate of officials in the Division of A&L and Department of Building & Housing, as well as CDP officers, will be able to enforce the new law to ensure that licensees are complying.
If three or more nuisance activities (as defined in Section 630.01) or any other criminal violation are found to have occurred on separate occasions within any six-month period 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 proposed new safety plan provisions focus on parking facilities downtown as a pilot to establish best practices and operational efficiency prior to a potential citywide rollout. The legislation was introduced for first reading at last night’s city council meeting and referred to committee for review.
