SPECIAL EVENT PLANNING GUIDE

2024

SPECIAL EVENT

PLANNING GUIDE

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Citywide Events Management Team ................................................................................................. 1

3. Special Event Permit Overview ......................................................................................................... 2

4. Host Organization ............................................................................................................................... 5

5. Primary Contact .................................................................................................................................. 6

6. Event Information ............................................................................................................................... 6

7. Event Dates & Attendance ................................................................................................................. 6

8. Event Main Location ........................................................................................................................... 6

9. Event Details ....................................................................................................................................... 7

10. Admission Based Events ................................................................................................................... 7

11. Street Closures and Right-of-Way Use ............................................................................................. 8

12. Temporary Removal of Paid Parking ................................................................................................ 9

13. Moving Events .................................................................................................................................... 9

14. Waterway Activity ............................................................................................................................. 11

15. Tents .................................................................................................................................................. 12

16. Stages ................................................................................................................................................ 13

17. Additional Temporary Special Event Structures ........................................................................... 14

18. Electrical Services ............................................................................................................................ 14

19. Temporary Lighting .......................................................................................................................... 14

20. Onsite Water Service ........................................................................................................................ 15

21. Amplified Sound at Public Events .................................................................................................. 15

22. Alcohol ............................................................................................................................................... 16

23. Arena District DORA ......................................................................................................................... 16

24. Food Vending Operations ................................................................................................................ 17

25. Merchandise Vending Operations .................................................................................................. 18

26. Tables/Chairs/Seating ...................................................................................................................... 18

27. Circus/Carnival/Games/Rides/Inflatables....................................................................................... 19

28. Animals .............................................................................................................................................. 19

29. Vehicles ............................................................................................................................................. 19

30. Fencing .............................................................................................................................................. 19

31. Signage .............................................................................................................................................. 20

32. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics/Flame Effect ............................................................................................. 20

33. Security Plan ..................................................................................................................................... 20

34. Medical Plan ...................................................................................................................................... 21

35. Emergency Plan ................................................................................................................................ 21

36. Restrooms ......................................................................................................................................... 22

37. Waste Management .......................................................................................................................... 23

38. Parking ............................................................................................................................................... 24

39. Event Site Plan .................................................................................................................................. 24

40. Insurance Requirements .................................................................................................................. 25

41. Contacts ............................................................................................................................................ 26

42. Definitions ......................................................................................................................................... 30

Revised 2/13/2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to the City of Columbus online Special Event Application and Permit System. The purpose of the Special

Event Planning Guide is to provide event coordinators with information, policies and procedures required to

successfully navigate the City of Columbus Special Event Permit process. Event coordinators are responsible for

all aspects of planning and executing the event. The City strives to balance the needs of events with the event’s

impact to residents and businesses, and as such may require event coordinators to revise or modify their proposed

plans.

After reviewing the following information, applicants may begin the Special Event Application process. City of

Columbus staff will assist with coordination and approvals throughout the online application. Continue to refer to

this document throughout the process of applying. The information provided in this document directly corresponds

with the requirements of the application. After you submit your reservation or application, you will be notified if

additional information is needed.

2. Citywide Events Management Team

The City of Columbus Citywide Events Management Team (CEMT) exists to assist the public in planning and

executing safe, dynamic events in a manner that provides a desirable experience for participants and the

community. The CEMT is a multi-agency group of representatives from every municipal department involved in

and/or affected by the production of events. The team meets regularly to:

• Review all requests for permits governing special events and recommend the approval or denial of such

permits;

• Evaluate the impact of proposed events on City services;

• Coordinate use of City property, equipment, support services and other resources for special events;

• Mitigate operational issues;

• Provide counsel to event coordinators where necessary;

• Communicate application fees, rental rates, service cost recovery amounts and other fees to event

coordinators;

• Impose reasonable conditions on special events based on public health, safety and welfare;

• Develop City guidelines necessary to produce a special event.

The CEMT may require new events, one-time events, or large scale recurring events to attend one of their meetings

to present specific details about the planned event.

The CEMT is guided by the following standards for issuance of permits:

• The conduct of the event will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other pedestrian

or vehicular traffic, in or contiguous to, the route or location of the event.

• The concentration of persons, vendors, vehicles and other event components at the event will not interfere

unduly with proper fire and police protection of, or ambulance service to, areas contiguous to the event or

other areas of the City.

• The conduct of the event shall be appropriate for the proposed location and not unnecessarily impact the

surrounding area.

• The applicant will secure the required safety equipment and personnel necessary for the safe conduct of

the event and where applicable has prepaid expenses for such items.

• Such event will not interfere with previously scheduled activities or with scheduled maintenance or repair

work to be carried out on public property.

• The event is not to be held for the primary purpose of advertising any product, goods, or commercial activity.

3. Special Event Permit Overview

Special Event Permit

A Special Event Permit is issued for a recreational event located wholly or partially on property owned or maintained

by the City, requiring the coordination of City department services that may exceed normal use. Public property

includes parks, streets, trails and waterways. A Special Event Permit is issued by the City of Columbus Office of

Special Events. Special events include festivals, street fairs, concerts, moving events, waterway activities, etc.

These events may include Citywide or regional marketing and involve extensive planning and coordination with

multiple City departments. The deadline to submit the Special Event Application for a Special Event Permit is 60

days prior to the event.

A Special Event Permit is required if your event meets any of the following criteria listed below:

• The anticipated number of participants in a park is over 100 people;

• Admission fees, participation fees or fundraising on public property;

• Closure of a street (does not include residential block parties);

• Event requires use of a trail, or street for a designated moving event course;

• Event requires use of a waterway for non-commercial events;

• Tents over 400 square feet (i.e. larger than 20’x20’, or more than four 10’x10’ tents);

• Platform or Mobile stages over 400 square feet;

• Temporary structures (scaffolds, canopies, sun shades, etc.)

• Temporary power wired directly into existing electrical services or panels, temporary power supplied by

vehicle or trailer mounted generator(s), or any distribution of power;

• Amplified sound beyond a personal/Bluetooth speaker;

• Alcohol sales and/or consumption;

• Food Preparation and/or sales;

• Exhibitors and/or merchandise sales;

• Carnival Games, rides or bounce amusements (without the rental of a shelter or when in combination with

another listed criteria with shelter rental);

• Vehicles on Display;

• Temporary fencing or crowd barriers;

• Fireworks.

The following are exceptions:

• Wedding and/or shelter rentals (contact CRPD Rental Services Section 614-645-3337 or

columbusrecparks.com/facilities/rentals/event-venues/

);

• Health & Wellness License for fitness related activities (contact CRPD Rental Services Section 614-645-

3337);

• Sporting event at designated sport parks (contact CRPD Sports Section 614-645-3366 or

columbusrecparks.com/wellness/athletics/

);

• Activity taking place inside a community center or being produced exclusively by center staff (contact the

Community Center);

• Residential Block Parties

;

• Filming;

• Community Markets. (License Section)

Applying

Applying for a Special Event Permit is a two-step process:

• Step 1. Submit the Special Event Reservation.

• Step 2. Submit your final version of the Special Event Application.

The Special Event Reservation provides a general overview of your event. Office of Special Events (OSE) staff

will review the reservation to determine the availability of all public property and if the spaces are appropriate for

the event. Approved reservations are marked “Tentatively Confirmed” and will be able to continue with the permitting

process. The reservation means the space has been secured for the event, but final approvals are not guaranteed.

All reservations are tentative until a permit has been issued. The Office of Special Events accepts reservations up

to one year in advance of an event.

The Special Event Application expands upon the reservation, and allows the applicant to provide more in-depth

details of the event. Submitted applications are reviewed by multiple departments. City of Columbus staff will

communicate any further requirements or additional permits. Delays in providing required information may affect

the ability to review an event application or result in the determination that the application is incomplete and cannot

be approved. Submitting an application does not guarantee that you will be issued a Special Event Permit. The

official submission date is the date the Office of Special Events receives the submitted application. The deadline to

submit the Special Event Application for a Special Event Permit is 60 days prior to the event.

Reservations and applications are considered complete when all details and supplemental documents are included.

Listing information as “TBD” or uploading documents from a past year as a placeholder will not be accepted.

Additional permits may be required. Receiving a Special Event Permit does not guarantee all City of Columbus

permitting requirements have been met.

Reservation policy

Returning events will have their dates tentatively held for the following year when listed in the application for the

current year. Event Coordinators will have 60 days following the current year event date to start a reservation for

the following year. If a reservation has not been submitted within the 60 days following the event, the tentatively

held date will be released. Returning dates for signature events may follow a specific formula (i.e. second Sunday

of January). Signature events are able to be held past the 60 day deadline at the discretion of the OSE. Returning

events may not always take place on the same weekend year-to-year based on how the calendar shifts. Often a

month will have five Saturdays one year, but only four the following year.

New events may start a reservation up to one year in advance of their event. Availability will be determined based

on returning event dates. If after 60 days a returning event has not been in contact/made reservation to clarify

following year event dates, the date may be opened up to new events at the discretion of the Office of Special

Events.

City Fees and Costs

Please review the Event Fee Schedule for event related fees. The Host Organization will be billed the permit fee

based on the date the Special Event Application has been determined to be substantially complete. Payment of the

permit fee does not guarantee that the Special Event Application is complete, nor does it guarantee that any or all

aspects of the application will be approved. Permit and late fees are non-refundable.

In addition to the Special Event Permit fee, the applicant may incur other City permit fees or costs. For example,

fees associated with personnel or resources provided to the event by a City department or facility repair costs for

any public property damaged by an event.

Cancellations/Refunds/Rescheduling

All cancellations must be made in writing to the CRPD Office of Special Events. Application fees are non-refundable

and non-transferable to another event. Cancellation of the event by the applicant more than 30 days prior to the

permit start date will receive a full refund for all park fees paid and 50% of any shelter house fees paid, less the

non-refundable application fees. No refund will be issued for cancellations by applicant 30 days or less prior to the

permit start date. Refunds will not be granted for permits which have expired, been revoked, or after work by the

City has commenced. All refunds will be made payable to the applicant listed on the permit. Refunds are issued via

check from the City Treasurer’s Office and may take 4-6 weeks to receive. The City reserves the right to cancel or

relocate an event due to poor weather and/or turf conditions prior to, or on the day of the event that may cause

excessive damage to City property. Refunds will not be granted for inclement weather or City emergencies.

City Requirements and Services

City departments may be contracted to provide the event services listed below. City department representatives

are listed in the “Contacts

” section, and you may reach out to find out more information about these particular

services. Specific requirements apply to certain areas of event operations, such as vending, entertainment,

fireworks, and site layout. Applicants may need to contact each City department prior to the event to thoroughly

review all requirements and applicable fees. When necessary, contact each department (90) days prior to the

event.

City Access to Event Sites

All City inspectors have the authority to close any event activity, which is not in compliance with City regulations.

Authorized City representatives serving in their official capacity shall have free access to the event premises at all

times.

Event coordinators should reserve parking spaces for city vehicles and/or provide site access passes to City

inspectors.

Community Outreach

Event plans should include outreach and sound mitigating measures that address potential impacts an event may

have on the surrounding neighborhood in which the event activities are scheduled to occur. Applicants are not

required to present their event concepts to community groups that require fees for review of the event proposal or

fees for use of the specific neighborhood. Impacted businesses, places of worship, schools, and residents that are

directly adjacent to the event venue should be notified of event plans and timeline. Issues that are usually resolved

in advance include coordination of deliveries, timing of sound checks, and establishing a way to allow those affected

to access their buildings, homes and parking areas.

General Public Property Policies

Event coordinators are not allowed to operate their own maintenance or lawn care equipment at City facilities.

Event components such as dunk tanks, go carts, confetti cannons, certain mechanical rides and balloon releases

are prohibited. Some components such as fireworks, amusements and animals may require additional permits

and/or coordination. The installation of stages, scaffolding, portable buildings, sport courts, grandstands or

bleachers must be authorized by permit. Use of paint, dyes or spray chalk to mark hard surfaces, parking lots or

trails is prohibited. Staples, nails and tacks cannot be used for hanging items on shelter houses, poles, bollards,

bridges or trees. Parking is only allowed in designated areas. Vehicles, utility carts, golf carts, and ATVs are

prohibited on playing fields, trails or any other grassy areas of parks without permission.

Public Disclosure

The City recognizes that the public has a legitimate interest in possessing information concerning events,

particularly as they directly relate to potential impacts on areas they may work or reside. All information contained

in an application or permit, and any supporting documents are subject to public disclosure. In addition, any invoices

for City services as well as other rates/fees charged by the City made in connection with an event are subject to

public disclosure.

Free Expression

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution

of the United States. To that end, people may exercise their rights in the City of Columbus. In order to best

coordinate services, the City retains its responsibility to oversee the impact an activity will have on public safety and

emergency services, the overall impact on business and residential access, and the ability of the event coordinator

to organize a safe and secure event. Permits may be required for activities that take place on public property, impact

normal flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, or require the use of equipment including but not limited to temporary

structures, stages and amplified sound.

Spontaneous activities for which individuals or organizations cannot provide the level of advanced notice required,

such as an event occasioned by recent news or current affairs, should coordinate with Columbus Police Special

Events/POPS (Columbus Police - Special Events

). In order to best coordinate services, as much notice as possible

is encouraged.

Activities that are not of a spontaneous nature, such as an organized parade, are required to submit a Special Event

Application to ensure the safety of all participants, spectators and motorists when such activities take place on

public property.

Denial or Revocation of a Special Event Permit

An applicant may be denied the opportunity to reserve a City facility if it is determined that the intended use is not

appropriate for the requested facility due to anticipated attendance, availability, pending construction, inadequate

infrastructure (utilities, parking), unreasonable impact on public access and/or the City’s ability to operate the

requested facility in the manner which it is intended. The City shall deny or revoke a Special Event Permit if the

applicant makes a false statement of material fact on the application, has not paid all fees or offered

misrepresentations; if the event has previously damaged City property, or is in violation of any provision of the

permit. An applicant’s past performance may also be considered if there is proof that the applicant has previously

violated conditions of City facility use, permit requirements from City Departments, or has unresolved financial

obligations with the City or privately operated properties adjacent to the requested facility. Any and all outstanding

fees from a previously held event must be paid in full before a newly submitted Special Event Reservation will be

reviewed or approved. The permit shall also be denied or revoked if the Director of Recreation and Parks, Police

Chief, Fire Chief, Health Commissioner or their designee determine the event poses a serious threat to public

health, safety or welfare, or if the City of Columbus determines that the number of events occurring on or near the

same date or in the same vicinity creates an unreasonable demand on City staff or resources.

Appeal Process

An applicant may appeal to the CEMT Appeal Team by delivering a letter to the Director of Recreation and Parks

indicating the intent to appeal the denial no later than 7 business days after the applicant is notified of the denial.

The CEMT Appeal Team shall act on the appeal within 7 business days and may uphold or reverse the denial. The

CEMT is guided by the following standards for issuance of permits as outlined in the

Citywide Events Management

Team section.

Post Event Inspection and Restoration

Following events, the CRPD Office of Special Events may perform post-event inspections. These inspections cover

parks, facilities, streets and adjacent sidewalks permitted for use under a Special Event Permit and will focus on

the removal of all event related trash, signage, equipment and supplies, hard surface stains, and overall site

cleanliness. Event Coordinators may request to attend the inspection by contacting the CRPD Office of Special

Events to schedule a time. Permit holders not returning park(s) and public spaces in the same condition as they

were secured may be billed for clean up or repair services deemed necessary. For repairs performed by CRPD, the

permit holder will be billed direct costs for time and materials. For damages requiring repair beyond CRPD’s staff

capabilities, CRPD may elect to utilize a contractor to perform the restoration. CRPD retains the sole authority to

determine the scope of restoration services. Either on an annual or per project basis, CRPD will solicit bids from

qualified contractors, determine the scope of repairs needed and arrange payment to contractors. Following

completion of work, CRPD will invoice the permit holder for reimbursement. Failure to submit reimbursement will

prevent the permit holder/event from receiving future permits at any location until reimbursement is collected.

4. Host Organization

Host Organization

The Host Organization is the organization or individual that creates the vision of what the event will be, including

the budget and the scope of the event. The Host Organization, unless otherwise noted, is the organization or

individual legally responsible for all fees, requirements, violations and damage to public property that result from

the actions of volunteers, staff, participants or event subcontractors during the hours of permitted use.

Permit Holder

The Permit Holder is the individual representative holding the permit to conduct a special event for the Host

Organization. The Permit Holder may be the President, Executive Director, or other authorized officer of the Host

Organization. The Permit Holder has the authority to make planning, operational and financial decisions on behalf

of the organization.

Non-Profit Organizations

Events that have a host organization that is a non-profit organization need to enter their Federal Identification

Number (EIN) and upload their IRS tax determination letter to the Special Event Application.

In general, Ohio 501(c) (3) and 501(c) (4) organizations must register under the Ohio Charitable Trust Act unless

they meet one of several exemptions. Other organizations that operate for a charitable purpose may also be

required to register. Out-of-state entities may be required to register if they have assets in Ohio or a majority of the

governing body is in the state. After filing the initial registration with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, the

organization must file an annual financial report. Organizations are able to verify their non-profit status at any time

with the Ohio Secretary of State or the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

5. Primary Contact

Primary Contact

The individual who oversees all aspects of event planning and details of the event’s execution. The event

coordinator must be at least 18 years old to apply for an Event Permit. The Event Coordinator is the Primary Contact

for City representatives during the permitting process.

The Primary Contact listed on the application will receive email notifications during the application process regarding

status updates and comments posted by City of Columbus staff. The Primary Contact default is the login information

for the account.

Onsite Coordinator

The individual who is the primary point of contact during the event. The phone number for the Onsite Coordinator

will be listed on the permit, so City of Columbus representatives can make contact as needed. The Onsite

Coordinator must be available during set-up through tear-down of the event.

6. Event Information

Applicants will need to provide a general overview of their event. This includes websites, social media pages, and

the event type. The event type is the primary purpose of the event.

The event information you share will be posted on a publicly viewable Event Calendar

. The calendar automatically

updates with information from applications after they are submitted and under review by City staff. The calendar

serves as a tool to share important details of your event to the community, and to assist with the promotion of

permitted events.

7. Event Dates & Attendance

Applicants will need to share the full scope of the event timeline, including set-up through tear-down. All event

coordination, equipment delivery and post event clean-up must take place during the proposed dates listed. If set-

up and/or tear down dates are needed solely for contractors to deliver/install equipment, the times may be the best

estimate of when work will take place.

Annual events that list a proposed date to return for the following year may do so with the understanding that

providing a date does not confirm a future reservation, nor does it guarantee a permit. This information is used to

project possible scheduling conflicts. To obtain an official reservation for the following year, applicants will first be

evaluated on past performance, and payment of all fees to the City. Please refer to the Applying

section.

Total attendance is the total attendance anticipated for the entire duration of the event. Peak attendance is the

highest attendance anticipated at one time during the event.

Rain Dates

The availability of public property and City support services are coordinated through the application process. Special

Events are only permitted for the dates required for set-up, tear-down and event day logistics. Rain dates are not

held for events in the event of inclement weather. The applicant must indicate all the dates needed for the event.

The application and park use fees are applied based on the duration of permit.

8. Event Main Location

Downtown Park Use

Park usage fees are charged for use of downtown riverfront parks (Bicentennial Park, Genoa Park, Battelle Park,

North Bank Park, East Bank Park, West Bank Park, McFerson Commons and Dorrian Green). Access to facilities

and services are not available until 8:00 am. Items in park(s) outside of the permitted set-up to tear-down period,

such as tents, portable restrooms, generators or dumpsters may result in additional park usage fees. Additional

fees will also apply to equipment and facilities used in conjunction with or impacted by events.

Residential Parks

Park hours depend on the location of the park. Events held in a regional or neighborhood park will not incur park

rental fees for use of the park. Applicants will only pay a permit application fee and fees for rentable facilities located

within the park. Facility rental is required for all event and set-up days when shelter access is desired, and/or when

access to rentable facilities within the park are impacted. Shelter house rental fees may vary per location. Please

review the CRPD Facility Rentals

page online.

City Street

A Special Event Permit is required when an event will utilize a City of Columbus street, but not including residential

block parties, construction or commercial activities.

Private Property

A Special Event Permit is only required when the event includes the use of adjacent public property. Other City of

Columbus permits may be required.

Additional Locations

Applicants will be able to identify additional locations the event plans to utilize. Examples of additional locations

may include parks used for offsite parking and shuttle services, vehicle or equipment support staging, and any other

location that is outside of the defined event footprint.

9. Event Details

Applicants will need to share the scope of event components by answering a series of “Yes or No” questions. During

the review of the Reservation, CRPD staff will be able to determine if the location requested is available and

appropriate based on the overview of these details. Supplemental details will need to be submitted for every answer

of “Yes” on the Application. While the application is in draft form, the applicant may change an answer in the Event

Details section as planning evolves. The application will automatically adjust based on information provided in this

section. Applicants will only need to provide details that correspond directly with the event components. Events with

more components will have to complete additional sections of the application, but less complex events will have

fewer sections to complete.

10. Admission Based Events

City of Columbus parks, streets and other public property are intended to be open to the community. When an event

charges admission to use public property, additional permitting fees may apply. The primary charged admission

types are:

• Tickets/General Admission Fee - An event that restricts access to public property. Attendees are required

to pay admission to enter the property.

• Registration Fee/Donations - An event that charges fees or collects donations for participating in an

organized moving event. Spectators and the general public may still visit public property.

• Exclusive Access Area - An event that has an isolated section of public property that requires admission

to access. Examples include a VIP tent or beer garden.

Admission Based Park Events

If an event includes any activity where a donation or fee is required for access to all or a portion of a downtown park

then the admission based fee will apply to each day the activity is conducted. It is the intention of CRPD to provide

the greater community with unrestricted access to all community parks. Providing the community with opportunities

to experience unique recreational opportunities such as admission based concerts and events can contribute to the

economic vitality of the City. Admission based events may be approved at regional and neighborhood parks at the

discretion of the Director of Recreation and Parks. CRPD may establish a capacity for the number of private events

held in a venue during a calendar year to balance public access and private event use.

The Director of Recreation and Parks may elect to solicit proposals for a series of admission based events (movie

nights, concert series, etc.) if it is determined that there is a value to the community by allowing such events to be

held on multiple occasions and that the event requires participant contributions to be sustainable.

11. Street Closures and Right-of-Way Use

Street Closures for Special Events

To be considered for a Special Event Permit with a Street Closure, a completed Special Event Reservation and

Special Event Application must be submitted. No Street Closure shall be conducted between the hours of 12:01am

and 8:00am without the written permission from the Director of Recreation and Parks. Applicants must include a

Street Closure Petition

signed by occupants (18 or older) of 80% of the total adjoining properties along with a legible

site map of the event area including street names, barricade placement and all items that will be placed within the

closure. Applicants must maintain a 20 foot fire lane with nothing within 3 feet of a fire hydrant if anything is placed

on a street. Arrange rental of all traffic control devices needed to inform the general public of traffic restrictions, and

schedule to have any paid parking locations within the closure temporarily removed from service.

All applications are subject to the review and approval of the Division of Police. Applications for closure of major

thoroughfares (i.e. High St., Broad St., etc.) are subject to the review and approval of the Division of Police – Special

Events Office, Division of Fire – Public Assembly Inspections Office, Division of Traffic Management, Division of

Infrastructure Management, and Division of Refuse Collection. Applicants may be required to hire special duty

police for traffic control.

Street closures that will be located within the University Area District will be required to obtain approval from the

University Area Commission (UAC) at the Northwood High Bldg., 2231 N High St., Rm. 200, Columbus Ohio 43201

(614-441-8174). The UAC meets once per month, so be sure to plan ahead for their review and approval. The

University Area District boundaries are Glen Echo Ravine on the north, the Norfolk Southern/CSX railroad tracks

on the east, Fifth Avenue on the south, and Olentangy River Road on the west. A map of the University Area District

can be found on the City resource section of the website.

Events that require closure of Washington Boulevard in front of Genoa Park shall not place event components in

front of the Columbus Police Memorial.

Traffic Control Devices

Providing barricades and other traffic control devices required for street, sidewalk and alley closures, etc. are the

responsibility of the event coordinator. This equipment can be rented from a private contractor and must meet the

specifications of the Division of Traffic Management. The City does not provide barricades and traffic control

devices. Please review the Contacts

section for a listing of local Traffic Control Device providers. Applicants are not

required to utilize any one specific company, but must provide approved barricades for all closures.

Occupancy Permits

A 906 Non-Commercial Occupancy Permit

is required anytime an applicant desires to construct event related items

in the public right-of-way (street) prior to the permitted time of a street closure or outside of the closure boundaries

included in the approved Special Event Permit. Event coordinators must provide necessary pedestrian or vehicle

traffic control devices for items erected on streets and sidewalks. For safety purposes, dumpsters located on streets

before or after streets are formally closed must have reflective tape on them or have two lighted traffic barrels placed

in the lane warning approaching traffic of the obstruction. Items constructed on sidewalks may require signage

redirecting pedestrians to an alternate route. The Division of Traffic Management will designate the quantity and

type of traffic control devices required.

When a 906 Non-Commercial Occupancy Permit is issued, parking has been requested to be removed.

Emergency

No Stopping signs must be posted 72 hours in advance and emailed to colspermits@columbus.gov and

tempnsat@columbus.gov to advise the public the areas that will be designated “No Parking”. The original 906 Non-

Commercial Occupancy Permit must be on the driver’s side dashboard of the lower front window of the vehicle.

922 Non-Commercial Occupancy Permits are obtained for the purpose of closing the curb lane to park food trucks

outside of a designated Commercial Zone or Residential Zone. Each food truck must also have a Mobile Food

Vendor License (MFV) and MFV Public Right-of-Way Permit issued by the License Section of the Department of

Public Safety. If tables are placed on the adjoining sidewalk, a 906 Non-Commercial Occupancy Permit must be

obtained from the Right-of-Way Permits Section. There is a 3-10 business day waiting policy for Occupancy Permits.

No permits will be issued on any street or area that is a no stopping zone.

12. Temporary Removal of Paid Parking

When closing public streets for event use, the applicant is responsible for temporary removal of both paid and free

on-street parking locations in all closure areas. Moving Events are only required to reserve paid parking meter

locations and free parking locations within the street closure area. Temporary removal of paid parking and free

parking locations along a moving event course can be requested, but is not required.

Temporary removal of paid parking requests identifying the location of all paid parking areas to be removed from

service must be submitted on the online application. Paid parking requests will be automatically routed to the

Division of Parking Services once the Special Event Application is submitted for review. Please note, paid parking

includes parking meters, multi-space parking kiosks and mobile payment only zones. A

map of parking meters and

kiosk locations is available online. To gather mobile payment zone information, event coordinators will need to verify

the mobile pay zone numbers by visiting each impacted street.

Non-profit events shall pay four dollars ($4.00) for each paid parking space removed from service up to one hundred

(100) park

ing spaces. Events that require the removal of more than one hundred (100) paid parking spaces from

service shall be charged a flat rate of four hundred dollars ($400).

When a Special Event is held on a Sunday or a city recognized holiday when parking is free, the Special Event is

required to pay an Administrative Fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to cover the employee cost of removing the

parking from service.

Payment must be submitted 7 days prior to event set-up.

Event coordinators must place temporary “Emergency No Stopping

” signs reflecting the date(s) and time of day the

parking will be removed from service 24 hours in advance of the event. The sign must also include the permit

number, where applicable, or the event name. Temporary signs shall be placed in the following manner:

• Attached to a wooden stake and placed every fifty (50) feet in the street lawn area between the curb and

sidewalk.

• Attached to street signs posts. The temporary signs shall not block posted street signs.

• Attached to a forty-two (42) inch tall traffic cone and placed between the curb and the sidewalk as to not

block off the parking spot or impede pedestrian traffic. On the day the permit is valid, the cones may

placed in the parking spaces in an effort to keep motorists from parking in the spaces.

• Event coordinators are responsible for the replacement of damaged or missing temporary signs before an

dur

ing the dates and times listed on the permit.

he cost for any necessary posted signage and/or maintenance of traffic items shall be paid by the applicant.

It is the responsibility of the permit holder to remove all temporary signage upon expiration of the permit or at the

conclusion of a special event. If a permit holder fails to remove all the temporary signage, there will be a two-

hundred fifty dollar ($250) fee assessed to the permit holder. No future permits will be approved until the temporary

sign removal fee is paid.

13. Moving Events

Special Event Permit is required for any organized moving event taking place on public property that includes any

street, public thoroughfare, sidewalk or multi-use trail. Specific rules and policies apply for the safe operation of

each type of moving event. Funeral processions and regular vehicular traffic are not moving events. Activities that

follow all existing laws related to vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist traffic may occur without a permit as long as the

activities are non-competitive and follow rules of the road. Moving Events are either Competitive or Non-competitive.

Moving events are intended to be continuous, all requested stops, regardless of duration, must be requested at the

time of applying. Preplanned stops may necessitate additional permits.

• Competitive moving events are when participants register for a competitive and timed race, such as a

5K, triathlon or marathon. Typically these also require a fee to participate. They do not have motorized

vehicles, excluding lead vehicles or support vehicles.

• Non-Competitive moving events are when the primary purpose is to demonstrate, raise awareness,

celebrate, march, fundraise, conduct an organized ride/tour or other non-competitive activities. If the moving

event includes anything other than people, additional permits and inspections may be required by other

City departments.

A map with a turn-by-turn description of the course/route must be submitted for any moving event. Prior to a permit

being issued, City Departments will determine if the course can safely accommodate the anticipated participation

size, time of day, location, and duration at the proposed time, and verify that there are no conflicts with other

scheduled activities. All courses must be approved by the Columbus Division of Police Special Events Office,

Division of Traffic Management, Division of Fire Special Events Office and Recreation and Parks Department Office

of Special Events. Once a permit is approved, changes may only be made by the City.

lice, first-aid, traffic control devices and/or a staggered start may be required as a condition of the permit. Moving

events may be authorized to substitute the placement of traffic signage or course marshals in lieu of traffic

barricades, police escort vehicles. Paint, dyes or spray chalk may not be used in parks or on trails. All directional

signs and course markings must be temporary and completely removed at the conclusion of the event.

Streets and Sidewalks

Moving events held on streets will be treated as “rolling closures,” where non-participants will be temporarily stopped

to allow for event participants to safely move unobstructed along the course. All courses should be designed to

have minimal impact on residents, businesses and public transportation. No moving event shall be conducted

between the hours of 12:01am and 6:00am. The requirements for traffic control devices and placement will be

determined by the Division of Traffic Management and Columbus Police.

Street closures that require additional set-up and/or tear-down time beyond the time allotted for the rolling closure

(such as start/finish lines, staging areas, vendor areas, first-aid stations, parking for support vehicles, etc.) will

require the applicant to submit the street closure petition with documented approvals. Refer to

Street Closure and

Right-of-Way Use section for street closure requirements. Applicants may be required to temporarily remove paid

parking from service along the course. Parking restrictions are coordinated in the online application.

nce a Special Event Permit has been approved, the event coordinator will be required to hand deliver a

“Notification of Intent

” letter including the course map to all pr

operties along the designated course. The notification

must be distributed 15 days prior to the event.

Multi-Use Trails

Moving events on trails are only permitted for use by runners, walkers, wheelchairs, strollers and domesticated

animals. No permits will be issued for motorized or non-motorized modes transportation. A permitted moving event

may not close a trail or restrict use by the general public.

n out-and-back style course where participants will travel in both directions on the same trail has a maximum

capacity of 500 participants. A loop or point-to-point course where participants only travel in one direction of the trail

has a maximum capacity of 1,000 participants.

Man

y trails pass through existing parks therefore, prior rental of a park or adjacent facility may be required for the

approval of a moving event. The City of Columbus and other entities have shared responsibilities for Columbus’

trail network. Event coordinators must contact Metro Parks to coordinate an event on a trail originating from a Metro

Park, and Ohio State University for events originating on campus. Due to the volume of daily use, certain sections

of trail may not be used for moving events. The Olentangy Trail may only be permitted south of 5

Avenue.

Competitive Moving Events

Preset courses have been created to accommodate moving events in the downtown and some residential areas.

Courses, venue maps, and traffic control plans can be viewed online at www.columbusrecparks.com. C

ourses for

competitive moving events must adhere to the following capacities and conditions in order to receive a permit.

• S

treets – Downtown: Competitive moving events are not permitted on downtown streets on weekdays or

in the evenings. A minimum of 1,000 participants is required to use a street course in the Downtown district

Custom courses may go beyond the boundaries of the preset course if the event exceeds 10,000

participants. At least one of the three bridges (Broad Street, Rich Street, and Main Street) must remain

open at all times. Slower/non-contending participants may be required to move to adjacent sidewalks after

established time limits. Time limits will be determined by the City of Columbus based on course length and

start time.

• Streets – Residential: Competitive moving events are not permitted on residential streets on weekdays or

evenings.

• Streets – Cycling Race: A timed competitive bicycle race may only occur on streets which are closed fo

he duration of the race. Obtaining approval to close a street requires approvals from adjacent properties

and City Departments. Street closures are not considered a rolling closure.

• Sidewalks: A portion of the course may use sidewalks if approved by the reviewing City Departments, but

courses only utilizing sidewalks are not permitted for timed competitive events.

• Multi-Use Trails: Competitive moving events may be requested for any time after 5:00pm on Friday

through the weekend and on Federal holidays, so as not to interfere with rush hour traffic patterns. T

Lower Scioto Greenway Trail may be permitted for courses up to 15K (9.3 mile) in distance. Trail courses

may be permitted to use portions of streets or sidewalks as deemed necessary by the City of Columbus.

Non-Competitive Moving Event

Courses for non-competitive moving events must adhere to the following capacities and conditions in order to

receive a permit.

• Streets – Downtown: Non-competitive moving events using downtown streets may occur on weekdays

after 9:00am, and must be completed before 4:00pm to avoid conflicting with rush hour traffic. Events

scheduled to take place on weekends or Federal holidays may be permitted to occur outside the hours of

9:00am – 4:00pm.

• Streets – Cycling Ride: A non-competitive ride/tour with a mass start requires a Special Event Permit.

ides of this nature can include motorized vehicles in the role of lead or support vehicles. A non-competitive

ride/tour without a mass start requires no permit as long as they occur on streets and can safely be operated

according to the “rules of the road”. Ride starts are recommended to begin in waves of no more than 10

participants at a time. If necessary, a non-competitive ride/tour can use portions of the trail, as long as they

can safely be operated according to the “rules of the road”.

Special Conditions/Exceptions

Certain moving events may be classified by the City of Columbus as an extraordinary event, which could lead to

special conditions, exceptions to policy, or additional requirements based on the type of event. The events listed

below may qualify as extraordinary events:

● Olympics, Paralympics, Youth Olympics - International Olympics Committee (IOC)

● IAAF World Championships - International Association of Athletics Federation

● Olympic Trials - United States Olympic Committee (USOC)

● USA National Championships - USATF, USA Cycling, and/or USA Triathlon

● National Championship Celebration

● National or regional conferences

● Other national or international events

14. Waterway Activity

A Special Event Permit is issued to groups who host events on the public waterways/reservoirs. No person shall be

on the waterway for an event without first obtaining a Special Event Permit. Waterway Activities are allowed to be

scheduled at any time between the dates of October 1

through April 30

, also known as regatta season. The

season from May 1

through October 31

is dedicated to marinas and dock access for boaters and the general

public. Organized waterway activities such as regattas or races must have a permit to operate on the waterway at

all times, and can do so by completing the online Special Event Reservation and Special Event Application. Safety

plans are required as part of the application process, as well as contacting Marine Police and the Division of Fire -

Special Events Office. Participants must remain at least one hundred (100) feet from dams while on the water and

must respect other users of the reservoirs at all times. Event signage for waterway activities must be posted prior

to the event, and may be posted up to fourteen (14) and no later than seven (7) days prior to the event. Signage

must be removed at the end of the last permitted tear-down day.

Types of Water Events

•

Practice- One team on the waterway- where they are participating at their home waterway (the only

instance where a permit is not required);

• Scrimmage/Organized Practice- Two teams or schools on the waterway;

• Event- Three or more teams or schools on the waterway.

Hazards and Buoys

•

Buoys for regattas are installed as part of the event and not a permanent fixture;

• Course markings and buoys may be installed three (3) days prior to the start of the event (weather

permitting) and will be removed no later than three (3) days after the start of the event (also weather

permitting);

• Vessels must operate within all crossing, practice, tournament, boating, waterskiing and water sports

zone parameters at all reservoirs.

Vessel Limitations for Events

• Must not be less than 8 feet or greater than 22 feet;

• Must not be less than 50 pounds in weight;

• Must not be less than 36 inches in beam;

o Exceptions are: canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, rowing shells and inflatable watercraft that bear

ull Identification Number (HIN)

• There is a 10 and 30 horsepower limit for safety boats at Hoover Reservoir, but not a limit at Griggs or

O’Shaughnessy.

15. Tents

The following section outlines the permitting requirements for installing tents on public property during Special

Events. Tent installation and removal must occur during the permitted set-up/teardown time periods as noted in the

Special Event Application. All temporary structures must be indicated on the special event site plan. Please refer to

the Event Site Plan

ection for site plan requirements.

Anchoring

The methods of anchoring need to be indicated for all temporary structures in the special event application. Possible

anchors are stakes and water or concrete ballasts. The event organizer is responsible for selecting the appropriate

type of anchor for the tent location, and must be capable of securing the tents during high winds. Water required

for filling water ballasts must be provided by the tent supplier or arranged through the Division of Water via fire

hydrant. The Division of Fire will not fill water ballasts to anchor tents. You will need to submit a

Special Event Fire

Hydrant Application to the Division of Water to request hydrant access. Additional documentation may be required

by Building and Zoning Services to determine structural stability.

Hard Surfaces

Tent stakes may not be driven into any asphalt, brick or concrete surface. All tents on hard surfaces must be

anchored with water or concrete ballasts. If concrete ballasts are to be placed on a hard surface, rubber mats may

be required.

Tents on Public Streets

Tents may be placed in City streets and alleys that have been legally closed as long as a continuous twenty (20)

foot wide fire lane is maintained throughout the closure area.

Tents in Parks

Event coordinators are responsible for any damage/repair costs to site utilities resulting from the actions of

subcontractors from tents installed in any City of Columbus park. Depending on soil conditions, extended weather

forecasts, estimated attendance, duration of the event and type of planned activities, the CRPD Office of Special

Events may require the use of a temporary tent flooring system, or heavy duty ground protection mats to create a

zero footprint when a City park is used as an event site.

• Non-Irrigated Parks: Tents may be anchored by water or concrete ballasts, or stakes capable of

anchoring the tent during high winds.

• Irrigated Parks: Tents up to 400 square feet (i.e. 20’x20’) must be anchored by water or concret

bal

lasts when installed for up to two days. Stakes may be used for tents in place for more than two days,

or when the size of the tent requires staking. Park Maintenance staff can only provide the general location

of utilities based on above ground identifiers. Tent quantity, size and placement may be limited due to

under

ground utilities.

Additional Permitting Requirements

Please refer to the Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) Construction Industry Communication (CIC)

29 for information and requirements. The building permit is separate and in addition to the CRPD Special

Event Permit. The use of tents greater than 400 square feet in total area need a BZS review to determine if their

permit will be required. Approval from BZS is not required for individual tents that are open on all sides, or the

combined total multiple tents that are open on all sides have a maximum size of 700 square feet, with a minimum

clearance of twelve (12) feet from any other structures. Permitted tents with walls/groups of tents with walls require

a twelve (12) foot fire break between them and other structures. Approval of a Special Event Permit does not

guarantee Building and Zoning approval or issuance of their permit.

he tent general contractor is responsible to ensure that installations meet all Columbus City Code, Ohio Building

Code, Ohio Fire Code and CFD Guidelines. A complete application will include the BZS/CFD combined

Temporary

Structure Application, event site plan, Event Safety Plan, flame resistant certificates for each size of tent, floor plan

of tent, and manufacturer installation instructions for each tent size being erected onsite. Construction documents

sealed by a registered design professional may be required. All tents with seating must have aisles a minimum of

44 inches wide, illuminated “exit “ signs if occupied after dusk, and an exit point within 100 feet of each occupant.

Tents and temporary structures that are utilized for gated/ticketed/private events are subject to additional fees.

he Temporary Structures Permit must be issued to a City of Columbus registered general contractor. Only one

permit per event is needed for tents, stages, and other temporary structures. It is the responsibility of the applicant

to ensure inspections are requested and performed prior to start of the event. The applicant may be the event

coordinator or contractor. Inspections can be scheduled for the next business day or the business day of your choice

when scheduled before 12:00am through our automated phone system (614-645-8235) or through the Citizens

Access Portal (Columbus.gov/ca

). After hour inspection requests should be made as soon as the inspection date

is known due to staffing levels. After hour inspection requests must be made no later than 2:30pm the business day

before the inspection.

16. Stages

tage installation and removal must occur during the permitted set-up/teardown time periods. All temporary stages

must be indicated on the event site plan. Please refer to the Event Site Plan

ection for all site plan requirements.

Platform Stages

Stages or platforms greater than 400 square feet (i.e. 20’x20’) require BZS/CFD combined Temporary Structure

Application. Please refer to the Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) Construction Industry

Communication (CIC) 29 for information and requirements.

Mobile Stages

Mobile stages are best suited for hard surfaces. Mobile stages that are approved to be placed in grass are required

to have plywood under the wheels or hydraulic supports. This includes load-in, during the event and load-out.

If the mobile stage is greater than 400 square feet (i.e. 20’x20’), has an attached covering of tent or awning over

400 square feet, a Fire Department Temporary Operational Permit and inspection will be required. Mobile stages

under a separate structure of tent or awning over 400 square feet will require a building and Fire permit via the

BZS/CFD combined Temporary Structure Application.

tage Canopies

Stage canopies and any other temporary special event structures will require review by Building and Zoning

Services and the seal of a registered State of Ohio design professional and may require a special inspection.

17. Additional Temporary Special Event Structures

dditional temporary special event structures are multi-purpose and portable. These temporary structures may

include scaffolding, canopies, rigging, tower structures, sun shades or air supported structures such as disaster

relief stations, vaccination clinics, or greenhouses. Temporary structure installation and removal must occur during

the permitted set-up/teardown time periods. The Temporary Structure Application

ay be required after review from

BZS. Please refer to the Department of Building and Zoning Services (BZS) Construction Industry Communication

(CIC) 29 for information and requirements. Temporary special event structures greater than 400 square feet (i.e.

20’x20’) will require a review by Building and Zoning Services (BZS), the seal of a registered State of Ohio design

professional and may require a special inspection.

18. Electrical Services

Park Electricity

Limited electricity is available within some parks. Permission to access park electricity is contingent upon the

approval of proposed electrical connections, available amperage, payment of applicable fees, and the presence of

qualified event personnel to make the connection. Access to electric distribution panels is not guaranteed. Applicant

may be required to hire a licensed electrician and schedule an on-site meeting between event electricians and

CRPD prior to the event.

Portable Generators

Portable generators provide power when supplemental electricity is needed at events for vending operations,

lighting or sound projection. Generators usually run on gasoline, diesel or propane and include a couple of electrical

outlets. Medium generators can power between 3,000 and 5,000 watts, large generators can power about 6,000 to

9,000 watts, and extra-large generators can power 10,000 watts and higher.

Electric Permits/Inspections

An electrical permit is required by Building and Zoning Services when the lighting and power is directly wired to

existing electrical services or lighting and power are being supplied by vehicle or trailer mounted generator, or if

any distribution of power will occur. An electrical contractor registered with the City of Columbus is required to

perform the electrical work. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure inspections are requested and

performed prior to start of the event. Inspections can be scheduled for the next business day or the business day

of your choice when scheduled before 12:00am through our automated phone system (614-645-8235) or through

our Citizens Access Portal (Columbus.gov/ca

After hours inspection requests should be made as soon as the

inspection date is known due to staffing levels. After hours inspection requests must be made no later than 2:30pm

the business day before the inspection.

Division of Power

The Division of Power (DOP) must be contacted a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to the event if electrical

connection to the City power grid is needed. The DOP does not provide electrical distribution services; however,

they will assist private contractors in locating power to support temporary distribution systems. Each event must

provide all materials: cable, breakers or disconnect fuses, etc. A disconnect shall be provided and located as close

as possible to DOP facilities. The disconnect switch shall comply with DOP standards; DOP retains the right to

refuse a connection that is deemed non-compliant with DOP standards. The DOP shall determine the point of

connection for each service.

If a line extension is required to provide distribution facilities to serve an event, the cost of the line extension will be

the responsibility of the applicant. All connections to DOP power sources will be performed by DOP staff. All

installations and removals shall be scheduled prior to the event. Unscheduled weekend/holiday work will be billed

for a minimum of four (4) hours. For services greater than 600 amps, an electric meter will be installed and a permit

and inspection must be scheduled through Building and Zoning Services.

19. Temporary Lighting

vents have a wide range of temporary lighting options at their disposal from enhancing the theme of the event to

creating ambience for guests or placing light towers in strategic areas for added safety/security during evening

hours. Examples of temporary lighting for events can include but not be limited to light towers, projection/mapping

(3-D) lights, balloon lights, bistro/string lights, lasers, moving lights, PAR lights, Gobo pattern projection lights,

spotlights, wall washer lights, up lights, and pixel tube lights. Temporary lighting cannot be affixed to any city

property such as street lights, traffic lights, street signs and trees. Light placement, usage, etc. will be reviewed by

City staff. Additional coordination may be required.

20. Onsite Water Service

ll temporary connections to fire hydrants shall have a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventer in

accordance with American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Standard 1013. The RPZ backflow preventer must

be tested by a certified backflow inspector after installation.

A S

pecial Event Fire Hydrant Application must be submitted to the Division of Water (UtilityPermits@columbus.gov

)

a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to the event. The charge for the permit will be $75.00 per permit when using

five (5) hydrants or less and $150 per permit when using more than five (5) fire hydrants. The charge for water

usage will be $50 per day, for each day the applicant has use of a fire hydrant. Fees must be paid to the City of

Columbus, Division of Water in advance.

f the event requires construction of temporary water lines by the City, a site plan and $500 refundable security

deposit shall be submitted prior to the event so that the work can be planned and scheduled. The applicant is

responsible for all labor costs for this work as well as the replacement cost for equipment or materials damaged

during the event. If the total cost exceeds the amount deposited, the applicant will be billed for the balance. If the

costs are less than the deposit, the remaining amount will be refunded to the applicant.

If the applicant elects to provide all labor and materials required for the construction of the temporary water lines,

including the RPZ backflow preventer, a $50 fire hydrant inspection fee will be required to inspect each fire hydrant

for operational integrity before and after the event. A $100 late fee shall be assessed if the permit application is

submitted less than thirty (30) days prior to the event, or if any fees have not been paid within ten (10) days of the

event. This fee is non-refundable.

21. Amplified Sound at Public Events

The issuance of a Special Event Permit shall include permission to have amplified sound provided the applicant

completes the section of the Special Event Application pertaining to amplified sound at the time of applying, and

includes the location of all designated locations where amplified sound will occur on the event site plan. Applicants

receiving a Special Event Permit from CRPD Office of Special Events are exempt from applying for a Community

Noise Permit.

For the safety of moving event participants, amplified sound used solely for the purpose of delivering event

announcements on a recurring or intermittent basis can be conducted at the start/finish area up to 90 minutes prior

to the beginning of any moving event.

Continuous amplified sound (music, DJ, broadcasting and/or band performances) is permitted at the start/finish

area of any moving event, up to 60 minutes prior to the start of the event. No amplified sound may occur after

11:00pm. The CRPD Office of Special Events may restrict hours of broadcast or limit placement of the source of

any amplified sound along a course in an effort to minimize inconvenience to persons residing on properties

adjoining the permitted moving event course. Amplified sound along the course must be shown on the course map.

Music License

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department maintains music licenses covering all event musical

performances hosted at city owned venues provided the event does not gross over $25,000 in revenue. Events

exceeding this level are responsible for necessary licensing and accept complete responsibility for failure to secure

appropriate licenses from all performing rights organizations (e.g. BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, etc.).

Movie License

It is the applicant’s responsibility to comply with all federal, state and local licensing requirements when hosting an

event within a public park. In order to show an outdoor movie to a viewing audience on public property it is necessary

to secure public performance rights for the movie to be shown. Public performance rights can be obtained by

contacting one of the licensing companies that represent the Motion Picture Association. Failing to pay licensing

fees is considered infringement and carries significant penalties (e.g. Swank Motion Pictures, Criterion USA or

Motion Picture Licensing Corporation).

22. Alcohol

hio’s liquor control laws contain special provisions designated to allow non-profit organizations to obtain temporary

liquor permits to sell or serve alcoholic beverages at special events. The most widely utilized are the “F” (beer only)

and “F-2” (beer and any intoxicating liquor) permits. Temporary liquor permits cannot be issued to for-profit entities.

A permit is required if a qualified organization intends to provide beer, or liquor (wine, mixed beverages or spirituous

liquor) either for sale by the drink or through the use of an entrance fee or cover charge.

n order to obtain a liquor permit, you must first complete the appropriate State of Ohio temporary liquor application.

This should include a Temporary Permit Tenancy Form and a Temporary Permit Chief Peace Officer Notification

Form. The use of any City park or street will require a Temporary Permit Tenancy Form to be completed for the

Office of Special Events to review and sign. The liquor application in its entirety should be sent to the Office of

Special Events either via the online event application or email. Once the Office of Special Events reviews and

approves, they will then forward to Columbus-Police Special Events for review. Once both departments have

reviewed and approved you will be able to submit the application to the State of Ohio for approval.

Sale/Consumption at a Downtown District Park or Designated Park

Per City Code the Director of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is authorized to grant permission to a

non-profit organization to conduct an event with alcohol in a Downtown District Park or

other designated location

provided the organization possesses a permit for use of the park. The applicant must meet the requirements of the

Ohio Division of Liquor C

ontrol and complete the online Special Events Application at least 60 days prior to the

requested event date. Other designated locations may require a letter of support from the Residents Association,

Homeowners Association, Civic Association, Area Commission or Friends of the Park organization serving the

event area.

Conditions once approved for temporary alcohol license:

he event coordinator must post “no alcohol beyond this point/no carry-in alcohol” signage at all entrances/exits to

the event venue and hire Special Duty Police Officers to be on-site 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of

the event until the completion of the event. If alcohol is served on ice, or will include garnish items, a

Temporary

Food License is required.

he purchase of all alcohol products must be through a licensed beverage distributor or caterer. Alcohol sales in

Downtown District Parks or designated parks must end by 11:00pm without permission from the Director of

Recreation and Parks. Alcohol sales on city streets must end by 12:00am without acknowledgment from the

Columbus City Council. The City requires passage of a Council Ordinance when alcoholic beverages are to be

sold/consumed at events held on public streets beyond 12:00am. The State of Ohio prohibits sales beyond 1:00am.

Glass containers are prohibited.

Consumption in an Enclosed Park Shelter House

Serving alcohol in an enclosed park shelter house is authorized when an applicant reserves a facility and contracts

with a Columbus Recreation and Parks Department approved beverage contractor for the service of beverage

concierge (professional bartender). Alcohol may not be sold and no money or tickets may be exchanged. View the

alcohol use policy and approved beverage contractor list on the Columbus Recreation and Parks Rental Services

General Information

ge.

23. Arena District DORA

he Arena District Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (

DORA) can be activated three hours before the start of

every Blue Jackets, Clippers and Crew SC home game until midnight, in addition to select special events. To

activate the DORA for a special event, applicant must complete a Special Event Application.

Patrons who are 21 and older can purchase an alcoholic beverage to go, served in a special DORA cup from

participating locations to sip and stroll within the Arena District. The DORA boundaries are marked with signage

throughout the district. DORA cups must be emptied and disposed of before entering another licensed location or

venue, or when exiting the DORA boundaries.

The DORA boundary

uns along Nationwide Boulevard from Front Street heading west to the Olentangy River. It

also extends north along Neil Avenue to the railroad tracks and includes a small green space across from Huntington

Park, the plaza east of Nationwide Arena and the walkway north of the plaza to almost Vine Street.

1. Applicant must complete Special Event Application;

2. CRPD will review and coordinate discussion with applicant, AD DORA LLC, and Columbus Police;

3. Applicant must supply Certificate of Insurance naming City as additionally insured with liquor liability

coverage

;

4. A

pplicant must supply DORA cleanup plan;

5. Applicant must supply details of DORA security plan.

24. Food Vending Operations

Temporary Food License

Columbus Public Health requires anyone selling food for a charge or required donation to obtain either a Mobile or

Temporary Food Service License. If alcohol is served on ice or beverages are served with garnish items, a

temporary food service license is required for each sales location. When a catering food service operation provides

prepared food for serving at an event and there is a caterer, they must have a food service license, even if the food

is donated. Pre-packaged food, and free food giveaways do not require a Temporary Food Service License.

Mob

ile Food Service Licenses allow food vendors to sell food, throughout the year, anywhere in Ohio and are

available at any local or county health department in the state. Temporary Food Service Licenses are generally

obtained for a single event held in a specific city and fall under the jurisdiction of the local health department.

olumbus Fire has many requirements for outdoor assembly events. Please review the

CFD Info-O

utdoor

Assembly Guidelines document for cooking, mobile food vending and other Outdoor Event requirements.

nlicensed Mobile Food Vendors (Food Trucks, Food Trailers and Food Carts) must meet certain Columbus Fire

inspection requirements to operate at a City Event. Any unlicensed Mobile Food Vendor that intends to operate at

a city permitted event is considered a VISITING MFV and should review the

Division of Fire Mobile Food

Vending page. This includes MFV's that have been licensed previously, but have an expired license. Please share

the Division of Fire Mobile Food Vending page to all Food Trucks, Food Trailers and Food Carts at your event.

Any unlicensed vendors will not be able to participate in your event.

pplicants should provide an application for a Temporary Food Service License t

o all food vendors that do not

possess a Mobile Food Operation License. To obtain a Temporary Food Service License, vendors must submit the

required fee along with the completed application to Columbus Health at least 10 days prior to the event. Columbus

Public Health will NOT process permits received less than 24 hours before an event or after 3:00pm on Thursdays

for weekend or Monday holiday events. For additional information about temporary food service, please see the

Introduction to Mobile Food Units.

pplicants must supply a list of participating food vendors. The list should be uploaded to the Special Event

Application in the corresponding section.

Food Safety at Events

Columbus Public Health will conduct inspections at events. Adequate hand washing facilities, water for cleaning,

and containers for wastewater, grease and ash must be provided to food vendors for all events. Inspectors also

require each vendor to have food storage units that can maintain appropriate temperatures (see Temporary Food

Service Application guidelines for details).

Food Security at Events

Event coordinators and food vendors should be aware of the actions in and around all temporary food operations.

To prevent food contamination Columbus Public Health makes the following recommendations for securing your

event site:

• Restrict the access of non-employees to the food operation area;

• Monitor the arrival of deliveries and restrict the times deliveries can be made;

• Create barriers between temporary food operations and the public;

• Train, monitor and supervise employees/volunteers on security procedures;

• Lock food storage areas and make sure they are in areas that are well lit;

• Limit public access to event water supply and electrical connections.

Cooking Waste

The event coordinator is responsible for assuring that grease, ash, used cooking oil, and wastewater generated at

the event are collected and disposed of in accordance with Columbus Public Health and Department of Public

Utilities regulations. Under no circumstances should grease, ash, or wastewater be dumped anywhere on City

property. When cooking with charcoal, a metal can with capacity to hold hot ash must be available. Vendors must

also have access to at least five gallons of water. Discharging waste into City sewers, storm drains or waterways is

illegal and can carry a fine of up to $10,000 per day.

astewater containers may be obtained from portable restroom suppliers. Grease, ash and wastewater containers

must be placed on tar paper, cardboard or a similar material to prevent additional clean-up costs due to

damages/stains caused by accidental spills.

25. Merchandise Vending Operations

Commercial Sales License

The Department of Building and Zoning Services - License Section requires all vendors wishing to conduct food or

merchandise sales to obtain a Commercial Sales License unless they are participating in a permitted event.

Tobacco 21

The Ohio law prohibits tobacco sales, inclusive of all products and paraphernalia including hookah, e-cigarettes,

pipes, rolling papers, etc. to anyone under the age of 21.

The City will:

•

Require tobacco retailers to obtain and retain a Retail Tobacco Sales License, administered by

Environmental Health at Columbus Public Health (CPH);

• Require ID for all tobacco and paraphernalia sales up to age 30;

• Require vendors display CPH approved signage stating prohibition of sales to those under age 21;

• Prohibit the sale of tobacco and paraphernalia through vending machines;

• Create the authority to develop and administer a civil process designed to increase compliance and

enf

orce the terms of the Retail Tobacco Sales License;

• Retain police enforcement authority for criminal offenses related to tobacco sales.

Charities

Nonprofit organizations that are vending at an event in the City must have a valid Charitable Solicitation Permit

issued by the License Section along with a State of Ohio Charitable License available at the Office of the Ohio

Attorney General.

26. Tables/Chairs/Seating

All tents with seating must have minimum aisle widths based upon accessibility, table and chair configuration and

illuminated “exit “ signs if occupied at dusk or night, and an exit points within 100 feet of each occupant. A site

plan must be included for tents over 400 square feet with seating showing aisle width and exits. Please review

CIC#29

or more information.

he City does not loan or rent out tables, chairs or bleachers for events. There are numerous companies in the

Columbus Metropolitan Area that rent tables, chairs and bleachers.

27. Circus/Carnival/Games/Rides/Inflatables

Carnival and Games

Any person that operates any circus, menagerie, carnival, or free show in the City must obtain a license from

Building and Zoning Services – License Section.

Inflatable Amusements

Inflatable amusements such as bounce houses, slides, etc. are not permitted unless the applicant obtains liability

insurance naming the City of Columbus as an additional insured for $1,000,000 as required by policy. Please see

our website City resource section for a sample of the appropriate insurance form to be submitted.

he blower of any inflatable amusement must display a current year permit decal from the Ohio Department of

Agriculture (ODA) or the owner may be subject to a fine of not more than $500.00 for the first violation, not more

than $2,500 for the second violation and not more than $5,000 for each subsequent violation on the same or other

ride that occurs within two years of the second violation or preceding subsequent violation by the ODA.

Mechanical Amusement Rides

Mechanical amusement rides that do not comply with all applicable laws and regulations are not allowed to operate

on any City property used in conjunction with an event. An amusement ride includes, but is not limited to, devices

commonly known as Ferris wheels, carousels, parachute towers or bungee jumping devices. Mechanical

amusement rides may require inspection from ODA.

28. Animals

Exotic or Wild Animals

Anyone that operates any circus, menagerie, carnival, or free show within the City must obtain a license from the

Department of Public Safety – License Section.

Petting Zoo Policy

The operation of petting zoos in the City requires licensure from the United States Department of Agriculture or

Columbus Public Health an

d inspections performed by the Columbus Public Health Department.

etting zoos that do not comply with all applicable laws and regulations are not allowed to operate on any City

property used in conjunction with an event. Petting zoos must adhere to all federal and state regulations regarding

the importing of animals into the United States and Ohio. Operators of petting zoos must provide hand-washing

stations with water, soap and disposable towels. Operators must also post signage stating that visitors are not

permitted to feed the animals.

29. Vehicles

he Division of Fire requires that keys belonging to all approved display vehicles must be housed on site for

emergency purposes. The Ohio Fire Code requires gasoline tanks to be under 1/8 of a tank of fuel, gas caps must

be taped to prevent fumes from escaping, and battery terminals must be disconnected and then taped to prevent

contact with the battery. Operating vehicles or equipment may also require a CFD Fire Watch.

30. Fencing

emporary fencing is a critical component to an event safety plan. Temporary fencing helps with crowd control

whether it is used to set apart VIP areas, keep restrooms more secluded, protect stages from excited fans or meet

legal requirement for serving alcohol. Before renting temporary fencing, determine what purpose the fence will serve

in different areas of the venue. The most common types of temporary fencing is:

• Fence panels which resemble chain link fence and are typically made from durable steel in 10 ft. and 12 ft.

widths. They come in various heights and can be anchored by sand bags;

• Barricades are lighter weight and shorter than fence panels. They are sometimes called “bike fence”

because they can also be used as temporary bike racks.

• Plastic fence is a strong plastic mesh that can be used as a light weight alternative for easy set-up.

Crowd Control Devices

Fencing and other crowd control devices are the responsibility of the event coordinator. Specific requirements are

applicable during fireworks displays. Consult with the Division of Police - Special Events Office and the Division of

Fire - Public Assembly Inspections Office prior to making arrangements for installation of any crowd control devices.

A Temporary Operational–Outdoor Assembly Fire Permit is required for any outdoor event that confines/restricts

movement of 50 or more attendees by permanent or temporary installation of barricades, bleachers, stages, fencing

(including bike rack and/or natural barriers) or other temporary structures. When temporary fencing is to be erected

in a public park the CRPD Office of Special Events must be contacted for approval. A Building and Zoning Services

(BZS) Temporary Structure Permit may be required. Please refer to the CIC#29

or further information.

31. Signage

n most cases, light poles are not designed for the wind resistance that is created by affixing banners and signs to

them. Banners and signage may not be posted in, or attached to, any structures, trees or facilities located on public

property without permission from the City. City departments will not assist with the placement of event signage.

32. Fireworks/Pyrotechnics/Flame Effect

ermission to incorporate fireworks, pyrotechnics, or flame effects into an event is contingent upon meeting the

requirements set forth by the Division of Fire. A flame effect is the combustion of flammable solids, liquids or gases

to produce thermal, physical, visual or audible phenomena before an audience. Applicants must submit a completed

Firework, Pyrotechnics and Flame Effects Exhibition Permit

app

lication and a detailed exhibition plan. An Ohio

Licensed Flame Effects Exhibitor must apply for the permit. For more information contact the Columbus Division of

Fire – Public Assembly Inspections Office.

33. Security Plan

he applicant is responsible for providing all special event security needs. The Columbus Police Special Events

Office will review applications and has the final authority to require Police, private security and/or other security

staff. Columbus Police will determine the number of officers and/or security staff based upon the information

provided in the special event application. All events held on public property with alcohol must hire special-duty

Columbus Police.

pplicants must provide details of hired private security that will be onsite. Any private security company must be

licensed, bonded and insured in the State of Ohio. All onsite security staff must wear matching security uniforms to

be easily identifiable by Columbus Police. When Columbus Police are hired as event security, private security staff

are not permitted to be armed. Private security may only be armed if they are the sole security provider for the

event. Armed private security must be disclosed in the special event application.

As part of your special event security plan, Columbus Police may allow the event organizer to use volunteers in

specific predetermined locations and capacities that do not require licensed private security. Should the volunteer

services fail to be provided and/or prove inadequate, Columbus Police maintains the right to shut down any or all

components of the event and/or to provide additional department staff that will be billed directly to the event

organizer.

34. Medical Plan

Columbus Fire/EMS First Aid Services: EMS, Fire Prevention, Hazmat, Assessment

Columbus Division of Fire (CFD) determines the scope and need for First Aid/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

coverage for events held within the boundaries of the City of Columbus. Approval of an event’s EMS Plan is required

for all events. If CFD is hired to manage onsite EMS and an expansion of EMS services is needed to cover an event

then it will come from the Division of Fire – Special Events Office.

he Division of Fire (CFD) will make the determination based on a number of planning variables including:

• Type of event;

• Estimated attendance;

• Availability of alcohol beverages;

• Event location (including maps);

• Weather conditions;

• Time of day event being held;

• Communications needs (Incident Command System/National Incident Management System)

interoperability;

• Street closures;

• History of event.

s deemed necessary, CFD will create an Event Safety Plan. This plan will serve as a forum to provide clarity to

the event team and CFD Emergency Services staff on duty during the event.

hen contracting with the Columbus Division of Fire – Advance Life Support (ALS) is the only level of EMS

coverage. The crew can consist of 2 or 3 person teams. Mass gatherings (over 5,000 in attendance) and/or extreme

event conditions will determine the size of the team, at the discretion of the CFD Special Events Supervisor.

When two or more EMS teams are employed, a Lieutenant or Captain will be required for span-of-control

management. When four or more units are employed an Event Dispatcher and Supervisor/Incident Commander will

be employed for operational and interoperability needs. These ensure lines of communication between the event

team and CPD or event security. High profile events that are nationally/internationally televised will require CFD

Personnel/Paramedic staffing to be hired by the event.

35. Emergency Plan

ll applicants should consider the possibilities of natural disasters and unplanned emergencies. A basic

emergency response plan should be adopted and communicated with event staff, police/security personnel and

on-site first aid providers.

Event Safety Plan

City Departments will require each event to submit event safety plan information in the application before approving

any permit requests. Additional plans may be shared and/or required. Applicants should consider the following:

• Identification of who will make key decisions such as canceling the event;

• Name and cell phone number of Event Safety Manager;

• Plans for communicating with event staff, volunteers, guests, media, vendors, on-site police and first aid

oviders;

• Procedures for reporting emergencies to event staff and emergency service providers;

• Methods for safely managing site evacuation in the event of an emergency;

• List of primary and secondary evacuation routes and safety shelters;

• Steps for caring for injured participants and lost children;

• Steps for securing potentially dangerous items (tents, signage, propane tanks and items that can be

propelled by high winds);

• Plans for evacuating tents when wind speeds reach an excess of 40mph;

• Methods for dealing with suspicious packages;

• Training for use of fire extinguishers;

• Access to real-time local weather forecast;

• Plans for a back-up public address system for announcements (generator or megaphones);

• Plans for securing cash control areas and fiscal staff and volunteers;

• Methods for distributing emergency supplies to staff and volunteers.

t is recommended that applicants have pre-planned announcements ready to notify participants of an emergency.

The appointed emcee, staff member(s) or volunteer(s) delivering the message will be able to calmly and accurately

express helpful information to event participants. Prepared announcements should be made ready for suspension,

cancellation or evacuation instructions. Preplanned announcements should be reviewed with all staff, volunteers or

anyone expected to communicate the message.

Temporary Operational Fire Permits

Temporary Operational Fire Permits and site inspections are required by the Division of Fire for any one of the

following:

• Outdoor event that takes place in a City park, requires a street closure or impacts the public right-of-way.

Applicants will begin the permit process by completing the Special Event Application;

• Outdoor events having a projected attendance of 100 or more persons at any one time;

• Outdoor events that restrict movement of 50 or more attendees by permanent or temporary installation of

barricades, bleachers, stages, fencing (including bike rack and/or natural barriers) or other temporary

structures. Outdoor events that are on private property and do not impact the public right-of-way should

contact Columbus Division of Fire and Building and Zoning Services Department directly.

• Outdoor events that are on private property and do not impact the public right-of-way and have tents,

embranes, stage canopies or other temporary structures over 400 square feet;

• Tents with side walls in groups larger than 400 square feet without a break or without side walls in groups

larger than 700 square feet without 12 foot fire breaks;

• Cooking vendors (cooking on site and selling food – including mobile food vending units);

• Event has on-site cooking operations or the presence of more than 60 pounds of LPF (propane);

• Any activity deemed to be potentially hazardous by the Division of Fire.

uring the application review process the Division of Fire – Public Assembly Inspections Office will assess site

plans, safety plans, floor plans for gathering areas, and flame resistance certificates for tents and membrane

structures.

Inspections will be conducted for all cooking, heating and/or electrical equipment, appliances, tents/membrane

structures and stages prior to the opening of the event. Event inspections occurring after 4:00pm on weekdays, on

holidays, or on weekends, are subject to the after-hours fire inspection fee. After-hours inspection fees may also

apply to events where final inspections are unnecessarily delayed.

36. Restrooms

he applicant is responsible for arranging to have adequate restroom facilities available for event patrons. Portable

restroom providers can assist applicants with determining the quantity that will be needed to meet the needs of the

projected attendance. It is recommended that one (1) portable restroom be ordered for every 60 event participants.

It is recommended that a minimum of one hand washing station be available for every 10 portable restroom units.

Applicants should plan accordingly for ADA accessibility to portable restrooms. Restroom accessibility for persons

with disabilities must be incorporated into the event plan and location of these facilities must have unobstructed

access. ADA requires that at least five percent of a single user portable toilet cluster at a single location be

wheelchair-accessible (this equates to roughly one wheelchair-accessible unit for every twenty regular restrooms

for public events).

ark restrooms may be requested for use during events. Certain restroom facilities are available in parks

seasonally. Park restrooms may not be available for larger events based on the limited amount of people they can

accommodate. CRPD staff determines park restroom availability for events.

37. Waste Management

Trash

The applicant is responsible for obtaining adequate trash containers for the event, as well as providing all labor and

materials necessary to maintain a clean and orderly event site during and after the event. Event coordinators are

responsible for removing all waste from the site at the conclusion of the event. It is recommended that there be one

gallon per day for each person in attendance at an event. For reference, a 96-gallon container is equivalent to ½

cubic yard. Installation of trash removal containers must occur during set-up and tear-down of the event.

All permanent park or sidewalk trash receptacles must be emptied and replaced with new can liners. Applicants

may haul trash away to an offsite location, use park dumpsters (when available) or rent temporary dumpster(s). For

any event in which a dumpster or roll-off will be left overnight, containers should be watertight, properly covered

and secured. These preventative measures are to prevent leachate (environmentally harmful liquids from

contaminating the ground water) and illegal dumping. Removal of all event related trash from the area used must

include ground litter, food waste and debris. All event signage, related supplies and equipment must be removed,

and hard surfaces must be clean of stains from spills. Charcoal must be removed properly via a metal container

with the capacity to hold hot ash. Under no circumstances should grease, ash, or wastewater be dumped anywhere

on City property. Discharging waste into City sewers, storm drains or waterways is illegal and can carry a fine of up

to $10,000.00 per day.

ny set-up or event component using a lane or sidewalk outside of the permitted times and/or boundaries of a street

closure requires the 906 Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit. The 906 Occupancy Permit can be found at

Colum

bus

Public Service.

or events where parking is not contained on-site, event coordinators should adopt the good-neighbor practice of

surveying areas outside of the immediate area of use to make sure that event related trash and debris has not been

discarded by patrons as they depart from the event.

Recycling, Food Waste and Refuse Collection.

The applicant is not currently required to recycle or collect food waste from events however multiple resources exist

to help you do so. If you would like to coordinate with the City of Columbus Division of Refuse Collection please

refer to columbus.gov/Services/Trash-Recycling-Bulk-Collection

Best Stormwater Management Practices

During a rainfall event, water flows from the event site via storm drains and directly into the rivers without any

treatment. The rain water will pick up pollutants such as trash, oil, or anything else left behind from your vendors

and guests of your event. As a participant, your organization can be proactive and prevent any stormwater

violations. The cost to clean up pollutants once they are in the storm line or waters of the State can be several

thousand dollars. To help you comply with the federal, state, and local storm water regulations, we have outlined

some best management practices for you and your vendors to follow. It is your responsibility to inform all vendors

and participants at your event of proper storm water management practices.

he objective in stormwater protection is that only rain goes down the drain. Best management practices are specific

steps that are taken in order to prevent pollution from entering the storm sewer system at your event. All employees

and vendors shall review these guidelines and make every possible effort to keep pollutants from entering the storm

sewer system. For any questions on best management practices or needs for educational materials for vendors or

guests please contact the City of Columbus Stormwater Section at 614-645-6311. To report pollution in our rivers

and streams or to report anything other than rain entering a storm drain, call the City of Columbus Stormwater

Hotline at 614-645-STREAM (7873) 24 hours a day.

ontracts and Leases

• If you have contracts with vendors participating in your event or companies hired to help with

cleanup, include language requiring them to be educated and responsible for proper stormwater

management;

• Put this language in any contract into which you enter.

aste Management and Disposal

• Be sure adequate receptacles are provided for use by vendors and guests to prevent litter;

• All waste receptacles (dumpsters) must be sturdy, leak-tight, and equipped with lids or covers.

Keep all outdoor receptacles closed unless adding or removing wastes;

• Do not wash out any receptacles outdoors unless wastewater is collected and disposed of

properly;

• Be sure containers are emptied as needed to prevent overflow;

• It is also important they are emptied at the end of each day.

ortable Toilets

• Be sure they are serviced frequently to prevent any overflows or leaks;

• Require your vendor to take the means necessary to prevent the portable toilets from bei

nocked or blown over;

• Do not place toilets next to or over a storm drain.

Grease Management

• Have spill cleanup material on hand and clean up spills immediately;

• Protect the ground under and around your cooking area by using tar paper or cardboard;

• Properly dispose of all grease into an approved wastewater management (Gray Water)

containers;

• Provide disposal containers for your vendors to prevent having this wastewater discharged to th

env

ironment;

• Keep the disposal containers out of sight of the guests to prevent them from using the containers

as trash cans.

ressure Washing and Outdoor Cleaning

• Use dry cleanup methods to collect litter and absorb any liquid wastes prior to any pressur

washing. These include using absorbents (e.g. “Oil-Dri,” kitty litter, rags, sand, etc.), sweeping,

and scraping off dried debris;

• Prior to pressure washing, identify where all storm drains are located. Wash water must not

scharged onto paved surfaces or allowed to enter the storm drains;

• Determine where water will pool for collection;

• Use the following types of equipment to protect storm drains and to contain and collect wash

water: vacuum pumps, booms/berms, portable containment areas, storm drain covers, inflatable

sewer plug, oil/water separators, holding tanks, portable sump pumps, hoses, and absorbents.

Using wet vacuums is also another acceptable method of collection;

• Once water is collected, dispose of it properly.

38. Parking

arking availability needs to be considered to determine if the footprint is appropriate for the event. A permit may

be denied if the requested venue does not have sufficient parking for attendees. Parking on park grass space is

prohibited. Preparing a safe and convenient parking plan should be a priority when planning an event. As you

develop your parking plan, consider available handicap parking. On your application you will need to describe

parking for:

• Attendees

• Vendors and/or sponsors

• Volunteers

• City staff/inspectors

• Rideshare drop-off/pick-up zones

• Shuttle/off-site parking

39. Event Site Plan

etailed event site plans are required with your application submission. While event site plans are not required to

be professionally drawn, they must be legible, to scale, or labeled with dimensions of each item. The plan must

include a “site plan key” which identifies the size of items on the plan, and where required, the distances between

permanent structures and temporary event items. A site map containing the following items must be uploaded to

the Special Event Application.

• Event boundaries including street names;

• “North” indicated by a directional arrow symbol;

• Location of event entrances/exits, the width of exits and location of exit signs;

• The distances between existing structures and temporary structures used for the event;

• The distance between temporary structures and property lines;

• A diagram showing any covered or fixed seating and/or table areas;

• Numbers, sizes and locations of tables and chairs;

• Location of any fencing including type, height, gate size and locations, and location of exit;

• Location and type of all cooking operations and distances from other cooking operations;

• Location of fire hydrants and site entry points for emergency vehicles;

• Location of all tents with dimensions and intended use. If side walls are used on a tent, indicate where,

how many sides will have walls, and note when sidewalls will be used (during the event, overnight etc.);

• Location of stages, platforms, amplified sound, traffic barricades, fire extinguishers, first aid locations,

dumpsters, fuel stations, propane tanks, generators, portable restrooms, heaters, supply vehicles, parki

eas, and the event headquarters;

• Indicate emergency evacuation routes and access for emergency vehicles within 150 feet of the venue.

When preparing your site plan you must consider the following:

•

Nothing can be placed within 3 feet of a fire hydrant;

• A 20 foot fire lane must be maintained on all streets closed for the event;

• Tents must have a handicap accessible route;

• Tents used for cooking must be separated from other structures by 20 feet;

• Cooking equipment cannot be within 10 feet of any combustible material;

• Mobile food vendors must be separated by 7 feet of space, or 10 feet from other types of cooking

oper

ations. No open flame cooking may be done under a tent or canopy or in front of vendor booths;

• A 20 foot fire break is required between permitted temporary structures and existing structures.

40. Insurance Requirements

he City requires each Special Event to carry comprehensive general liability insurance (CGL) naming the City of

Columbus as an additional insured. The policy must provide a minimum of $1,000,000 in CGL insurance for general

aggregate liability losses, personal injury, property damage, product liability, and cover all operations of the event

including but not limited to participants, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, exhibitors, staff, volunteers, etc. The

coverage should be written on a “per occurrence” basis and should include event “set-up” and “tear down” dates.

The insurance coverage must be written by a company licensed to do business in the State of Ohio.

he applicant, not the insurance agent, must submit a copy of the ACORD Certificate of Insurance

hen completing

the online Special Event Application. Organizations whose certificate of insurance will expire after the application

deadline and prior to the event may submit a copy of their Certificate of Insurance at a later date. The Certificate of

Insurance must be submitted in order to receive a permit. All insurance policies and subsequent renewals must be

maintained in full force throughout the entire period of the event. It is understood that the City of Columbus is held

free and harmless from any claims, actions, suits, proceedings, damages, costs and expenses arising out of the

use and occupation of the public premises associated with a permitted activity.

The certificate holder address is City of Columbus, CRPD Office of Special Events, 1111 East Broad Street, Suite

101, Columbus, Ohio 43205.

overage Levels:

• Minimum Liquor Liability limits of $1,000,000 in CGL insurance per occurrence;

• Minimum of $2,000,000 in CGL insurance for general aggregate is required for fireworks per occurrence;

• Minimum of $200,000 Rented/Leased Equipment Coverage is required for rental of Bicentennial Park

Performing Arts Pavilion sound system and/or CRPD Stage Line SL250 Stage Van per occurrence;

• Minimum of $1,000,000 required for Special Event Permits with inflatable amusements;

• Minimum of $1,000,000 required for Products/Completed Operations per occurrence;

• Minimum of $1,000,000 required for Personal/Advertising Injury per occurrence;

• Minimum of $1,000,000 required for Commercial Automobile Liability per occurrence;

• All insurance coverage provisions, and limits, may be revised by the City to reflect risk exposure.

41. Contacts

City Services

CRPD - Office of Special Events: Special Events, Block Party and Film permitting.

1111 East Broad St., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43205

614-645-3800

pecialevents@columbus.gov

CRP

D - Rental Services Section

: F

acility rentals in city parks, health & wellness licenses, wedding sites.

1111 East Broad St., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43205

Stanley Bulejski: 614-645-3340

parkrentals@columbus.gov

CRP

D - Sports Section

: A

thletic fields and sports facility rentals.

1111 East Broad St., Suite 101, Columbus, OH 43205

614-645-3366

CRPDSports@columbus.gov

acilities Management Division: Use of City Hall, Public Safety Building, and Michael B. Coleman

Governmental Center.

90 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Dwaine Thames: 614-645-7181

DLThames@columbus.gov

ivision of Police – Special Events

: S

pecial Duty Officers, event security and street closure approvals.

120 Marconi Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215

614-645-4375

specialevents@columbuspolice.org

ivision of Police – Marine Park Unit: Waterway activities.

2933 Riverside Dr., Columbus, OH 43221

Cory Kahoun: 614-774-7645

CKahoun@columbuspolice.org

Division of Fire - Special Events Office: Emergency medical services for Special Events.

4252 Groves Rd., Columbus, OH 43232

Captain Brian Fowler: 614-584-8211

bpfowler@columbus.gov

Division of Fire – Public Assembly Inspections Office: P

ublic assembly, event inspections and fireworks.

3639 Parsons Ave., Columbus, OH 43207

614-645-7641

CFDEvents@columbus.gov

Building and Zoning Services

: T

emporary structure permits and inspections, electric permits and inspections.

111 N Front St., Columbus, Ohio 43215

614-645-7433

intake-supervisors@columbus.gov

ivision of Traffic Management: Traffic planning, street closures, street closure device requirements.

1881 E. 25th Ave., Columbus, OH 43219

Mark Dipiero: 614-645-5845

mwdipiero@columbus.gov

ight-of-Way Permits Office

: O

ccupancy permits and fee collection for division services.

111 N Front St, 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

Jarrod Elfrink: 614-645-5997

ColsPermits@columbus.gov

ivision of Parking Services

: P

aid parking locations.

2700 Impound Lot Road, Columbus, OH 43207

Mark Springer: 614-645-4070

pringer@columbus.gov

treet Maintenance Operations: Street cleaning, litter control, post event clean up, street maintenance.

1881 East 25th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43219

Daniel Stewart: 614-645-7982

DMStewart@columbus.gov

icense Section

: C

ommercial sales licenses, community market licenses and charitable solicitation licenses.

4252 Groves Road, Columbus, OH 43232

Glenn Rutter: 614-645-8366

GERutter@columbus.gov

en Lee: 614-656-8366

BELee@columbus.gov

Columbus Public Health

: F

ood service operation, temporary food service licensing, vendor inspections.

240 Parsons Ave., Room N106A, Columbus, OH 43215

ood Protection Program: 614-6

45-8191

Business and Licensing Program: 614-645-7005

im Basak: 614-645-6741

JBasak@columbus.gov

ivision of Refuse Collection

: R

efuse collection/removal, litter control, recycling and post event clean-up.

2100 Alum Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43207

Dorothy Tubaugh: 614-645-5747

detubaugh@columbus.gov

ivision of Power

: A

ccess to municipal electric equipment and service.

3500 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214

Don Gnaedinger: 614-645-2409

ddgn

aedinger@columbus.gov

Division of Water: Temporary water line installation, fire hydrant permits, back flow prevention devices.

910 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215

Special Event Fire Hydrant Applications

UtilityPermits@columbus.gov

ewis J. Flemister: 614-645-7028

Water_Festivals@columbus.gov

Division of Sewerage and Drainage, Stormwater Regulatory and Management: Proper disposal of grease

and gray water during events and education about storm water.

1250 Fairwood Ave., Columbus, OH 43206

24 Hour Spill/Dumping Hotline: 614-645-STREAM (7873)

ob Lamb: 614-645-0363

bflamb@columbus.gov

riel Pinson: 614-645-0362

aepinson@columbus.gov

Non-City Services

Paul Peterson Company: Traffic Control D

evices

950 Dublin Rd. Columbus, OH 43215

614-486-4375

afety Service Products Inc.: Traffic Control Devices

724 Hudson Street, Columbus, OH 43211

614-263-8888

Road Safe Traffic Systems: Traffic Control Devices

1350 Stimmel Road, Columbus, OH 43223

614-274-9782

hio Department of Commerce Division of Liquor Control

: T

emporary liquor permits for events.

6066 Tussing Road, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-9005

614-644-2360

web.liqr@com.state.oh.us

Arena District Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA): C

oordinate DORA cups purchase.

375 N. Front Street, Suite 200, Columbus, OH 43215

614-857-2330

nfo@arenadistrict.com

University Area Commission (UAC): C

ontact to obtain signature on petition page for a block party or street

closure within the UAC district.

2231

North High Street, Suite 100, Columbus, OH 43201

614-441-8174

ommissioners@universityarea.org

Columbus Commons: Man

agement of 6-acre downtown green space, and performance stage.

160 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

Ashley Myers: 614-461-4454

yers@downtowncolumbus.com

COSI

: Contact for use of COSI English Plaza, and Street Closure Petition signature for Washington Blvd.

333 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

614-228-2674

Jacob Essak: 614-629-3128

JEssak@cosi.org

Franklin County Metro Parks

: Contact for use of a metro park for events.

1775 Darby Creek Drive, Columbus, OH 43119

614-891-0700

Jen Boniface: 614-508-8008

BONIFACE@metroparks.net

Statehouse/Capitol Square

: Permits for use of the Statehouse & Capitol Square.

1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio 43215-4210

Haley Melcher: 614-466-2251

visitors@ohiostatehouse.org

Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA)

: Contact in regard to bus routes and street closures.

33 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

614-275-5800/Cell: 614-599-997

Ronnie Tyler, Transportation Services Supervisor

tylerri@cota.com

Ken Evans, Superintendent of Transportation

evansk[email protected]

Charles Edwards, Director of Transportation

edwardsc[email protected]

42. Definitions

Accessibility

Making things accessible to all people whether they have a disability or not.

ACORD

ACORD, the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development, is a non-profit organization that

provides the global insurance industry with data standards and implementation solutions. ACORD is widely known

across the industry for the publication and maintenance of an extensive archive of standardized forms.

ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

Admission Based

The fee charged for admission to enter an event.

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

A medical asset staffed by a least one Paramedic and one EMT or two Paramedics, to provide a higher level of

triage, medical stabilization, or medical care and transport to a hospital.

Amplified Sound

The use of any machine or device required for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound. This

shall not include vehicle radios, personal music devices, display screens and/or warning devices used by City

departments.

Applicant

The individual and/or organization seeking the necessary permits for planning an event. The applicant collectively

refers to the Host Organization, Permit Holder, event organizer, and all others involved with applying for event

permits.

ASCAP

The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers is an American non-profit performance-rights

organization that protects its members' musical copyrights by monitoring public performances of their music,

whether via a broadcast or live performance, and compensating them accordingly.

Ballast

Ballast is a heavy substance (such as sand, concrete or water) placed in such a way as to improve stability for

anchoring a temporary structure during high winds, heavy rains and snow storms.

BMI

Broadcast Music, Inc. is one of four United States performing rights organizations that collects license fees on behalf

of songwriters, composers, and music publishers and distributes them as royalties to those members whose works

have been performed.

Buoy

An anchored float serving as a navigation mark, to show hazards or for mooring a vessel.

Catering Food Service Operation

When food is prepared for an event where there is a fee to attend and the fee is based on a per-function or per-

event basis.

Certificate of Insurance

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is the standard insurance industry form known as the ACORD 25 Certificate of

Liability Insurance that is obtained from the insurance carrier.

Charitable Organization

A charitable organization or charity is a non-profit organization whose primary objectives are philanthropy and social

well-being. Charitable organizations may not use any of their funds to profit individual persons or entities.

City

Means the City of Columbus, as a political subdivision of the State of Ohio.

Commercial

The ordinary activities of trade and commerce where the profit motive is the primary purpose.

Commercial Zone

A geographic area that has a combination of public right-of-way access, vehicular traffic patterns, pedestrian

density, and mobility options, such that reasonable access for mobile food vending does not constitute an

unreasonable threat to public health and safety.

Community Market

Any organized gathering of persons to primarily sell or offer for sale on a temporary basis upon public property

any handmade merchandise, fruits, meats, vegetables, garden produce and/or food for human consumption.

Additionally, merchandise, goods, wares, food or drink for human consumption, services or other commodities

may also be sold.

Cooking Waste

Grease, ash, used cooking oil, and wastewater generated from a food vending operation.

Course

The route defined by the City for conducting organized moving events and often includes streets, bridges and trails.

Course Marshal

An individual on a moving event course that provides direction to participants.

Crowd Control Device

Any device that restricts pedestrians from entering an unauthorized or dangerous area. Most barricade ends lock

together to create a safe and secure barrier as long as needed.

Cycling Event

A cycling moving event for non-motorized bicycles.

Demonstration

A gathering of people on public right-of-way or parkland for a public meeting, assembly, speech, protest, rally, or

vigil involving the expressions of ideas, opinions, dissent or grievances.

Downtown

The Downtown Columbus Business District within the boundaries of I-670, I-71, I-70 and State Route 315.

DORA

Per the section 4301.82 of the Ohio Revised Code, a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area or “DORA” is nothing

more than a specified area of land that a local legislative authority has designated as exempt from certain open

container provisions as defined within the legislative act that created the DORA.

Estimated Attendance

The attendance at a permitted activity as estimated by the event coordinator on an application. Expected total

attendance includes all event staff, vendors, spectators, participants, and attendees.

Event Coordinator

The individual and/or organization responsible for the execution of the event. The Event Coordinator collectively

refers to the Host Organization, Permit Holder, Onsite Coordinator, and all others involved with organizing the

event.

Event Safety Manager

Event Safety Manager acts as an extension of event management to ensure the safety of participants in case of

inclement weather, natural disaster or other emergencies.

Event Safety Plan

Plans designed to ensure the health and safety of participants and staff during an event.

Event Site Plan

The event site plan depicts the physical layout of an event site. It should include dimensions or be to scale,

legible, and visually show all of the elements of the event.

Exceptional Activity

An activity within a City of Columbus park, street, trail or waterway deemed a unique and/or rare artistic,

educational, historical or recreational circumstance. Exceptional Activity classification will be determined by City

staff.

Federal Identification (ID) Number

The Federal Employer Identification Number or the Federal Tax Identification Number is a unique nine-digit

number assigned by the Internal Revenue Service to business entities, which includes non-profit organizations,

operating in the United States.

Fire Lane

A fire lane is a traffic lane in which parking is not permitted in order to allow access for emergency vehicles. Fire

lanes are twenty (20) feet wide, and must be a minimum of ten feet (10) feet away from buildings and structures.

Fire Watch

A temporary measure, intended to ensure consistent and systematic surveillance of a premises for the purpose of

identifying and controlling fire hazards.

First-Aid

Emergency aid or treatment given to someone injured or suddenly ill before regular medical services arrive or can

be reached.

Fundraise

The intent of an event or activity to seek financial support from participants.

General Contractor

A person registered by or with the Columbus Building & Zoning Services to assemble all types of temporary

commercial structures.

Gray Water

Wastewater generated from a sink of a mobile food concession unit at an event that by law cannot be dumped in

a storm drain.

Hazmat

An abbreviation for “hazardous materials”—substances in quantities or forms that may pose a reasonable risk to

health, property, or the environment.

Host Organization

The organization or individual that creates the vision of what the event will be, including the budget and the scope

of the event. The host organization is the organization or individual legally responsible for all fees, requirements,

violations and damage to public property that result from the actions of volunteers, staff, participants or event

subcontractors during the hours of permitted use.

Inflatable Amusements

An amusement device, used to bounce or otherwise play on, that incorporates a mechanical system and employs

a high-strength fabric that achieves strength, shape, and stability by tensioning from internal air pressure.

Late Fee

An additional processing fee required for all event applications submitted after the submission deadline.

Licensed Electrician

Electricians are licensed by the State of Ohio and the City of Columbus.

Mechanical Amusement Ride

A mechanical amusement ride means any vehicle, boat, bungee jumping device, or other mechanical device

moving upon or within a structure, along cables or rails, through the air by centrifugal force or otherwise, or across

water, that is used to convey one or more individuals for amusement, entertainment, diversion, or recreation.

Mobile Food Service License

Official permission to prepare or serve food from a movable vehicle, portable structure or watercraft that routinely

changes location. The license can be obtained through any local or county health district.

Mobile Food Vendor

Any owner, owning, controlling, operating or managing any mobile food vending unit.

Moving Event

An organized activity where participants follow a predetermined course upon any street, public thoroughfare,

and/or shared use path which is approved for use by the City. Moving events include timed or competitive races,

fundraising runs and walks, non-motorized vehicle rides, parades, or processionals. A moving event shall not

include regular vehicular traffic or a funeral procession.

Music License

Music licensing is intended to ensure that the owners of copyrights on musical works are compensated for certain

uses of their work. A purchaser has limited rights to use the work without a separate agreement.

Non-Commercial

Shall mean and include, but is not limited to philanthropic, political, patriotic, recreational and/or charitable purposes.

Non-Profit Organization

Shall mean an organization recognized as such by the Internal Revenue Service in accordance with section 501

Normal Use

Daily activity in a park or facility that does not impact or inhibit use by the general public, and that does not

otherwise alter the space.

Notification of Intent

A printed notice that is distributed by the event coordinator to property occupants adjacent to a moving course to

inform them that an event will occur within 15 days.

Ohio Building Code

The Ohio Building Code adopts the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International

Plumbing Code, and the International Residential Code which is used by the Building & Zoning Services

Department.

Occupant

The owner, manager, assistant manager, or lessee of a residence, business, school, church, hospital or other

properties impacted by an event closing or obstructing normal use of public streets.

Ohio Fire Code

The Ohio Fire Code is based on the International Fire Code, as amended by the State Fire Marshal of Ohio and is

used by the Division of Fire.

Onsite Coordinator

The individual who is the primary point of contact during the event. The onsite coordinator must be available

during set-up through tear-down of the event.

Paid Parking

Any parking space that has a parking meter, multi-space parking kiosk, or is designated as a mobile payment

location.

Parking Kiosk

The City provides multi-space metered parking in designated locations where customers make payment at a kiosk

instead of individual parking meters.

Parking Meter

A mechanical or electronic device used, placed, installed or erected at or near the curb adjacent to a parking lane.

Peak Attendance

Attendance patterns at an event across a day usually have periods relating to when a higher number of patrons

access the event due to the schedule of activities, quality of entertainment or the appeal of certain attractions.

Permit Holder

The individual representative holding the permit to conduct a special event for the Host Organization. The Permit

Holder may be the President, Executive Director, or other authorized office of the Host Organization. The Permit

Holder has the authority to make planning, operation and financial decisions on behalf of the organization.

Petting Zoo

A petting zoo features a combination of domesticated animals and some wild species that are docile enough to

touch and feed.

Pop-up Event

Pop-up events are temporary, unexpected events in unique spaces, generally of short duration. The element of

surprise distinguishes pop-up events from those mass marketed.

Potable

Water suitable for drinking.

Pre-Packaged Food

A properly labeled processed food, pre-packaged to prevent any direct human contact with the food product upon

distribution from the manufacturer, and pre-packaged from an approved source.

Primary Contact

The individual who oversees all aspects of event planning and details of the event’s execution. The primary contact

must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Special Event Permit. This person must have the authority to make

planning, operational and financial decisions on behalf of the host organization.

Protective Flooring

Portable floor tile or mats which are designed for temporary installations as tent floors or over grass, dirt or gravel.

Public Right-of-Way

Any property owned by the City of Columbus, including but not limited to, any street, road, alley, sidewalk, vacant

lot, or other tract of land.

Pyrotechnic

A pyrotechnic is a device with an explosive that burns slowly and emits colored flames; can be used to illuminate

areas or send signals.

Rain Date

An alternative date set aside for use if a scheduled event must be postponed due to inclement weather.

Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Backflow Preventer

A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution during

sudden drops in water pressure.

Regional/Neighborhood Park

City parks located outside of the Downtown Columbus Business District.

Rolling Closure

A temporary street closure to accommodate a moving event where streets are reopened by the Division of Police

after participants pass a designated point on a moving event course.

Rules of the Road

A custom or law regulating the direction in which vehicles and/or pedestrians should move to pass or yield to one

another, so as to avoid collision on a street, sidewalk or right-of-way while following to the rules of the road, such

as obeying traffic lights, road signs and road markings.

Series

An event recurring on multiple dates such as concerts, movies, community markets, etc.

SESAC

Originally the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, is a performance-rights organization in the

United States.

Set-Up

Defined as all times/dates when event preparation takes place on public property.

Shell

Specially built rowing vessel for racing on open water.

Signature Event

A large-scale event which has a substantial impact to City property and requires the support of most City

Departments. Must be an annual event that has been held for a minimum of 5 consecutive years. The event must

demonstrate a large economic impact to Columbus, community significance, citywide support and promotion of

Columbus. Signature event classification will be determined by CEMT Staff.

Special Event

A planned recreational function occurring either one-time, on an annual basis or as part of a series. Events often

have the presence of live performances, food and merchandise, interactive exhibits that draw a crowd, require set-

up/installation of support items, and/or use of public space beyond normal use. Types of events include but not

limited to concerts, festivals, moving events, waterway activities, private functions and ceremonies.

Spontaneous Activity

Any activity occasioned by recent news or current affairs that is conducted on public property or throughout area

under the control of the City of Columbus. Unplanned protests, picketing, or other such activity that is based on

actions that are protected by the first amendment are not considered a “special event” and are exempt from

permit requirements.

Stakeholder

A person, resident, business or group with an interest in any happenings taking place in the vicinity of where their

residence or business is located.

Storm Drain

A storm drain is designed to drain excess surface water or rain from paved streets and sidewalks.

Street Sweeping

The practice of removing dirt, litter and debris from curbed public roadways with equipment designed to collect,

sweep, brush or flush the area.

Submission Date

The date the completed event application is received by the City.

Tear-Down

Defined as all times and dates when removal of event items occurs and clean-up takes place.

Temporary Food License

Temporary food operations, such as festivals, fundraisers and community events that require a food license.

Temporary Structure

Tents, canopies, membrane structures, stages, platforms, fences, and other similar features that are temporarily

installed for an event.

Temporary Water Line

A 2” PVC line that is temporarily installed by the Division of Water to transport potable water from a fire hydrant to

a connection point where a hose can be installed for filling water barrels, supplying a food concession unit, and as

a source for drinkable water.

Traffic Control Device

Markers, signs and signal devices used to inform, guide and control traffic, including pedestrians, motor vehicle

drivers and bicyclists. These devices are usually placed adjacent, over or along the highways, roads, traffic

facilities and other public areas that require traffic control (Not provided by Division of Traffic

Management/Columbus Police).

Trail

The network of multi-use greenways connecting the city parks system that are available for moving events.

University Area District

The University Area District is located within the boundaries of Glen Echo Ravine on the north, the railroad tracks

on the east, 5

Avenue on the south, and Olentangy River Road on the west.

Vendor

Any business, enterprise, trade, vocation or activity conducted by a person, business or organization that sells

food, goods, services or beverages on a city right-of-way or park for the purpose of direct or indirect gain, benefit

or advantage.

Venue

The place where an organized event happens.

Waterway Activity

Classified as any non-commercial, organized activity that occurs on a City managed waterway excluding fishing

activities, recreational boating or fitness classes.