Policy

• permit should be constitutionally acceptable fee for permit should be reasonable and fair
  
  
• issuance of yearly permit, administrative adherence to ordinance
  
  
• if permit is required, immediate access to performance upon payment

The issue of the permit is of great concern to the Performers.

4.2.1. It is generally understood by the Performers that it is our constitutional rights which allow us to perform. So the question arises: what is a reasonable price to pay for that right? At $120 per annum there is the appearance of restriction of access to poor people. Business and vending permits in the city are much less expensive and those permits grant privilege. The Performers permit restricts rights.

4.2.2. Currently an attempt to purchase a yearly permit is met with refusal. In direct conflict with the city ordinance only a quarterly permit is issued. A yearly permit should also be available to save time and effort for the Performers and the City.

4.2.3. There is a three-day waiting period after application and payment which appears to be for a security check and to process the printed permit. It seems odd that a security check needs to be made for a person to exercise free speech and that this right should be withheld until a person passes a certain threshold of acceptability. There are several Performers who have had difficulty obtaining their permits after having paid. If a permit is required the right to proceed should be granted immediately upon payment and the City may issue other documentation as it deems necessary. If you purchase a driverŐs license, upon completion of a form and payment of fees you are issued a fully functioning temporary license until you are mailed your permanent license several weeks later.

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