Council Adjusts Secondhand Retail Ordinance

A new city law governing businesses that may be finished after several recent modifications.

Kent City Council voted this week on what appears to be final modifications to the Second Hand Dealers ordinance, which was originally passed in November.

The latest round of modifications followed another meeting with local business that would be effected by the new law, including jewelry stores, antique stores and other shops that buy and sell used items.

Kent Law Director Jim Silver said some of the new changes include shortening the wait period before reselling an item from 30 days to 20 days and eliminating a license fee for business owners.

"We’re probably not going to make everybody happy, but I think it’s much more palatable than it was," Silver said.

Since unveiling the new law in November city administrators have encountered .

John Spindler, who runs a furniture shop at 501 Franklin Avenue, was a vocal opponent of the new law.

"I think the ordinance is a lot better," he said.

Council approved the changes in committee this past week. A final vote will be taken on the changes at council's regular meeting later this month.