University Heights council tables proposed parade-and-events permit ordinance after public objections

Vice Mayor Michele Weiss called the Feb. 18 meeting of the University Heights City Council to order as public concern mounted over a proposed change to the city’s parade and events rules.

The ordinance, labeled Ordinance 2025-04, would amend Section 412.06 of the city traffic code to create a permitting framework for parades, races and other assemblies on city streets, including a 60-day application deadline, predetermined standard routes for common 5K races, and requirements that applicants provide proof of liability insurance and reimburse city costs in certain circumstances. Mayor Brennan described the measure as intended to give the city a way to evaluate timing, staffing and cost for larger events and to permit some outside races the city previously could not accommodate.

Opponents during the public-comment period urged caution. Rabbi AJ Buela said the city should not change the current practice for longstanding community events and asked that synagogues be excluded, saying the proposed rules would “cripple work in the community.” Resident Daniel Grand raised constitutional concerns, arguing the ordinance risks creating an “unconstitutional prior restraint on speech,” imposes burdensome fees and 60-day deadlines that could impede spontaneous demonstrations, and could be applied inconsistently in ways that favor some organizations over others.

Council members debated whether to consider the ordinance on an emergency basis at the meeting or to refer it for more deliberation. Council Member Winifred Weizer moved to table Ordinance 2025-04 and refer it to the Council of the Whole for further discussion; Council Member John Rach seconded the motion. The motion passed on roll call, with all council members voting “aye.”

Mayor Brennan said the administration had two pending outside event applications and indicated a desire to pause processing until the ordinance review concluded; some council members urged the mayor to allow existing permit requests to proceed under current rules. Council repeatedly stated it wanted more time to consider the legal and equity concerns raised by speakers and to clarify definitions in the draft ordinance (for example, what qualifies as an "event" versus an "assemblage").

What happens next: Council referred Ordinance 2025-04 to the Council of the Whole for detailed review; no changes were adopted at the Feb. 18 meeting. The administration and Law Director Bradric Bryan were asked to work with council on definitions, exemptions and the ordinance’s application to spontaneous demonstrations or exigent circumstances.