Utica Council Implements New Permit Requirement for Street Solicitation

The Common Council Committee of the Whole Meeting held on September 2, 2025, in Utica, New York, focused on several key issues, including graffiti enforcement and regulations surrounding solicitation on city streets.

One of the primary discussions centered on the city's approach to managing graffiti. Officials highlighted the challenges of prosecuting graffiti cases, citing a past incident where a defendant claimed their graffiti was a form of artistic expression, leading to dismissed charges. To address this, the city is considering a new strategy that allows property owners to sign a waiver permitting the city to clean up graffiti if they do not take action themselves. If property owners refuse to sign the waiver, the city will revert to existing code enforcement procedures to ensure the cleanup occurs.

Another significant topic was the regulation of solicitation on city streets. The council proposed a new ordinance requiring individuals soliciting for money to obtain a permit. This measure aims to manage the presence of solicitors on public streets and ensure that those collecting donations are registered with the city. Violators of this ordinance could face fines, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses. The council believes that this regulation will help maintain public order and provide a record of individuals soliciting in the area.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's efforts to enhance public safety and cleanliness while navigating the complexities of enforcement and community expression. The proposed measures will be further evaluated as the council seeks to implement effective solutions for these ongoing issues.