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Crestview council advances photography-permit ordinance after public objections
Summary
The council approved Ordinance 20 13 on first reading to create production permits for commercial photography on public property; public commenters and at least one council member warned the rules may be too broad or burdensome for small photographers. The ordinance returns for a second reading with staff asked to refine scope and vendor vetting.
The Crestview City Council voted to advance Ordinance 20 13 on first reading, creating a production-permit framework for commercial still and motion photography on city-owned public property.
City staff told the council the draft permit would apply to activity ranging from youth-sports photography to larger motion-picture productions and would set application requirements, a 90-day permit duration and tailored terms and conditions depending on the scale of the activity. Staff said the ordinance aims to cover public-property uses such as parks and streets and to provide clarity and cost recovery when a production requires street closures or other services.
"This proposed ordinance attempts to regulate a problem that does not exist," public commenter Jean DiMario told the council during the first-reading debate, arguing the rules appear aimed at motion-picture production rather than ordinary still photographers and warning that the fee, insurance and background-check requirements would be excessive for wedding, family and novice photographers.
Council members pressed staff on the line between casual and commercial use and whether vetting – including background checks for people who would work with youth – was built into the process. Staff said vetting would be handled through the permit application and that costs for background checks would be wrapped into vendor fees so the city would not absorb that cost.
A motion to approve the ordinance on first reading was made and seconded; the measure passed with a majority and will return to council for a second reading. City staff said they will review issues raised by council and the public — including whether news media or casual photographers could be inadvertently affected — ahead of the next hearing.
What happens next: staff will refine language and return Ordinance 20 13 for second reading, taking up questions about scope, vendor vetting and potential exemptions.
