The city I live in just made it possible this year for retailers like me to resell fireworks.
Problem is, now they “can’t find” the permits.
Me, and several other retailers have been waiting a week for them to find the PDF file to print out.
Now we are coming up on prime fireworks selling time and fear on missing out.
Is there any legal course of action to force the city to “find” the application?
You could try going to city hall in person which makes you look more invested over a phone call. Try calling a civil lawyer because they understand legal matters. There’s probably not much you can do besides these two things.
IANAL but I believe what you want is a writ of mandamus. It’s basically a court order telling a government official to do their assigned duties.
Who made the decision at the city to allow fireworks sales? Was it a council decision? The mayor? City manager?
Find out who made the policy change and contact them. Tell them that city bureaucrats are frustrating their policy change.
Sorry, thought it was part of my OP, but yes, I have been in there 3 times this week already, it’s a huge opportunity for us in the summer months.
Yes, a writ of mandamus may be appropriate here. The OP should consult a local attorney. Sometimes, things like this can get resolved with a phone call from your attorney to the city attorney. Other times, you have to litigate it.
From personal experience in Colorado a writ of mandamus is filed directly with the state Supreme Court.
You might call the City Attorney and tell him/her you’re seeking counsel to get that writ thingy.
Might be just the push the City needs to come up with the permit.
Just out of curiosity, which city?