LTC 060-2004 Amending the Newsrack Ordinance CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. o6o-2o0
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
AMENDING THE NEWSRACK ORDINANCE
Date: Mamh 11, 2004
The Public Works Department is reviewing the current ordinance governing the permitting,
location, and maintenance of portable newspaper sales racks (newsracks). In the past
three years the number of newracks on the streets of Miami Beach has grown to over
1,500. Many of these newsracks are not permitted and/or do not meet the requirements of
the ordinance.
A comprehensive on-site inventory has been completed. This inventory process identified a
number of problems with the current standards and enforcement procedures. In reviewing
the ordinance, some of these problems will be resolved and procedures more defined.
Specifically the review will:
· Update and improve the process for permitting newsracks.
· Update the locations and quantity of newracks allowed in certain locations.
· Define what type of publications qualify for distribution through newracks.
· Provide a more defined process for removing a non-permitted newsrack.
· Provide a more defined process for removing a damaged newsrack that is
creating a safety hazard.
A working group consisting of staff, publishers, and citizens are working on updating the
ordinance. Once a working document has been developed it will be distributed to all
interested parties for comment and suggestions. The final draft ordinance will then be
presented to City Commission for consideration.
c: Robert C. Middaugh, Assistant City Manager
Fred H. Beckmann, Public Works Director
F:\WORK~$ALL\BOB HALFHILL\Newsrack Ordinance.doc