Safety and Service Office
The Safety/Service Director is responsible for maintaining a working relationship between services departments and the residents of Norwalk. The director supervises activities of Park & Rec, Sanitation, Police, and Fire. The director also oversees issuing of permits not related to Public Works and regulates parking within the City. If you are unsure about which department to contact for assistance, please feel free to call the Office of the Safety/Service Director (email here).
Click on any of the following links for information on issues handled through this office.
Door to Door Solicitation Permits
Pursuant to Norwalk Codified Ordinances Chapter 713, all door-to-door solicitors in the City of Norwalk are required to register and obtain a permit from the Office of the Safety/Service Director.
• Proof of Identity Required - applicant must appear in person to obtain permit
• Applicant must provide BCI&I background check (dated within past 30 days)
• Permit fee of $18 must accompany completed application and other documentation
• Permit expires six months from date of issue APPLICATION FOR SOLICITOR'S PERMIT
Solicitors must have their city-issued permit (this is a picture ID) with them when working in the City. If you have questions or concerns about a solicitor, please contact the Office of the Safety/Service Director or, if after hours, you may contact the Norwalk Police non-emergency number at 419-668-3311.
Residents may contact this office or email to be placed on the "Prohibited Address List for Solicitation." Licensed solicitors receive this list and are not permitted to contact these addresses.
Parade & Event Permits
Events taking place on City property must be approved by the Safety/Service Director. These events include, but are not limited to, parades, festivals, and block parties. If you are unsure if you need a permit, please contact this office.
• No permit fee
• Application must be received at least two weeks prior to event
Parking in the City
Free parking is available on uptown streets and in city lots. Signs are posted with time limitations.
MAP OF UPTOWN PARKING
Special parking requests may be considered by the Safety/Service Director. Residents may contact this office or may email. Click here to send the email for special parking.
Public Records Records Requests
Requests for public records can be made in person, in writing, or by mail or electronic means to the appropriate department.
•Norwalk Police Department
•Norwalk Fire Department
•Norwalk Municipal Court
•Norwalk Law Director's Office
•All Others - Office of Safety/Service, Norwalk City Hall
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST FORM, CLICK HERE
Please follow this Link for City of Norwalk Public Records Policy for a full copy of the public records policy.
Suhr Family Park & Pohl Park Use Permits
Two of the city's parks are located in the Main Street District - Pohl Park at the corner of E. Main Street and Linwood Avenue, and Suhr Family Park located at the corner of W. Main Street and Church Street.
These parks may be reserved for use by residents through the Safety/Service Director as scheduling permits.
• No permit fee
• Application must be received at least two weeks prior to event
SUHR FAMILY PARK OR POHL PARK USAGE REQUEST, CLICK HERE
All other requests for use of city parks must be made through the Ernsthausen Community Center at (419) 663-6775.
Taxicab Franchise Information
Pursuant to Norwalk Codified Ordinances Chapter 721, taxicabs and taxicab drivers operating in the City of Norwalk must be licensed by the Safety/Service Director. Driver's application must be accompanied by:
• BCI&I background check - dated within 30 days of date of application
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Driver's Abstract - dated within 30 days of date of application
• Completed Application
• No Fee is required
APPLICATION FOR TAXICAB DRIVER'S LICENSE, CLICK HERE
Taxicab companies operating within City limits must obtain a franchise from Norwalk City Council.
APPLICATION FOR TAXICAB FRANCHISE IN THE CITY OF NORWALK, OHIO, CLICK HERE
Trees on City Property
The Safety/Service Director's Office serves as the touchpoint for information on street trees and the City of Norwalk Tree Board.
Pursuant to Norwalk Codified Ordinances Chapter 943, street trees are defined as any tree, shrub, bush or other woody vegetation lying within the right-of-way of streets, avenues, or ways within the City. Residents are not permitted to plant, trim, or remove street trees without the written approval of the Safety/Service Director. In cases where this is permitted, any expenses will be paid by the resident. To request permission, please complete and return the request form below.
REQUEST TO REMOVE/TRIM/PLANT ON CITY PROPERTY, CLICK HERE
If you have a concern or question about a street tree, you may contact this office directly at (419) 663-6700 or send an email here and request tree service.
Use of City Streets
Pursuant to Norwalk Codified Ordinances Section 1301.03, permission may be granted for the use of City streets for construction or repair to buildings or structures.
APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO USE PART OF STREET, CLICK HERE
Yard Sale Permits
Pursuant to Norwalk Codified Ordinances Section 1173.024, a permit must be obtained before conducting a yard sale within City limits.
• No permit fee
• Sales cannot exceed four (4) consecutive days
• No more than four (4) yards sale at any one location per calendar year
• At least thirty (30) days between the effective dates of each permit per location
• Sales permitted between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Residents may obtain a permit in person at City Hall or request one by email here.
