New Safety and Documentation Requirements for Cleveland Parking Facilities
Cleveland City Council is considering an emergency ordinance that would update the requirements for licensing public garages and parking lots across the city. The proposal, identified as File No. 915-2026, aims to change how applicants provide information to the city to ensure facilities meet specific operational and safety standards.
What's in the file
The ordinance proposes amendments to several sections of the Codified Ordinances of Cleveland to modify the application process for parking facility licenses. According to the 915-2026-Amend CO Section 457-Public garages and parking lots document, the changes include:
- Enhanced Site Plans: Applicants must submit accurately scaled and dimensioned site plans and elevation drawings. These must detail the configuration of entrances, exits, aisles, and spaces, as well as landscaping, lighting, bicycle parking, signage, and wheel stops. Professional architect or engineer stamps are not required for these drawings.
- Visual Signage Documentation: The application must include images or photos of all parking facility signage.
- Security Reviews for Specific Districts: For facilities located in "Designated Parking Districts," the Chief of Police (or a designee) will review applications to ensure there are reasonable operational, staffing, or infrastructure security measures to minimize criminal behavior.
- Timeline for Police Review: The Chief of Police must notify the Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses of their security determination within 30 days of receiving the application; failure to provide notification within this timeframe is deemed an approval.
- Operational Disclosures: Applicants must provide the hours during which motor vehicles may be stored and the hours the premises will be served by an attendant.
- Occupancy Requirements: A certificate of occupancy is required, and any changes to the site, landscaping, or parking conditions will necessitate an updated certificate.
The ordinance is presented as an emergency measure to provide for the usual daily operation of a municipal department.
Who may be affected
The record names several specific groups and areas:
- Designated Parking Districts: This includes the Downtown Core, Warehouse, Erieview, and Gateway Parking Districts, which are subject to specific security reviews by the Chief of Police.
- Commissioner of Assessments and Licenses: Responsible for receiving applications and issuing licenses.
- Chief of Police: Responsible for reviewing safety and security measures in designated districts.
- Director of the City Planning Commission: Responsible for determining if parking lot applications comply with substantive provisions of the chapter.
Status and timeline
August 13, 2026: The ordinance was introduced and received its first reading.
What to watch next
The legislation is currently undergoing the council process following its first reading.
Residents can verify the details of this proposal by reviewing the official record for File No. 915-2026 through the Cleveland City Council website.
Source record
- File
- 915-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- August 12, 2026
Official documents
- 915-2026-Amend CO Section 457-Public garages and parking lots
- 915-2026 Legislative Summary
- 915-2026 Amend 915-2026
- 915-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final