Council Approves License Agreement to Legalize Awnings Over Southwest Front Street Right-of-Way

Milford City Council on Sept. 8 authorized the mayor to sign a license agreement permitting an awning that was built within the Southwest Front Street public right-of-way.

Planning staff told council code enforcement issued a notice of violation in May after the awning was constructed without a permit and that the subsequent building-permit application revealed the awning sat within the city right-of-way. Staff cited Chapter 197 — “Street, Sidewalk, Storm Sewers and Other Public Places” — and specifically section 197-4(b)(2), which allows placement of canopies and awnings within the right-of-way upon review by the planning director and approval by the city manager.

Staff provided a draft license agreement and a survey exhibit in the council packet and recommended the mayor be authorized to execute the agreement subject to its terms and conditions. Councilmember comments included a request to discourage future after-the-fact construction without permits; staff acknowledged that concern and said they would work to prevent repeats.

Councilmember remarks also noted that Trinity Redevelopment Corporation — represented locally by Craig Ollman and his law firm — has invested in multiple downtown buildings. A motion to authorize the license agreement was made, seconded and approved by voice vote. Staff will finalize and execute the license agreement to legalize the awning’s presence in the right-of-way.