From April to October each year, restaurants, coffee shops and bars across Syracuse have a way to take advantage of the nice weather: They set up seating on the public sidewalks for outdoor dining.

But a new city audit issued just as the season ended last week found major problems with the city’s enforcement and oversight of the permits. It also suggested a new “modernized” permit and fee system.

“What we found in this audit was two sets of standards: a convoluted and slow system to achieve compliance from those who sought to follow the rules, and lax enforcement for those who did not,” City Auditor Alex Marion said in his introduction to the report. “... A more efficient, effective program can drive revenue, protect the City and patrons alike, and ensure we can all share our sidewalks s

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