Explanation
The purpose of this legislation is to amend various sections in Chapter 525 of the Columbus City Codes that governs charitable solicitations in the City of Columbus. Some sections of this chapter pertain to roadway permits for applicable charitable solicitors. Currently, only charitable organizations are allowed to apply for this permit to solicit money. Solicitation is also the only current type of distribution (the exchange, or attempt to exchange, a physical item between two or more individuals) allowed in a roadway in the City, under this chapter, and the only entities allowed to apply for the permit are certified 501(c)(3) charitable organizations.
In 2015, the United States Supreme Court made a unanimous ruling in Reed v. Town of Gilbert that would prevent governments from favoring certain messages on signs from others based on content. This case had far-reaching implications for municipalities across the country in their zoning codes and elsewhere. On advice from the Columbus City Attorney, the City determined that, based on Reed v. Town of Gilbert, it could not enforce the aforementioned portions of Chapter 525 as written, given the potential violations of the First Amendment.
These updates to the code will allow for any non-profit entity (individual or organization) to apply for a permit to engage in distribution in the roadway, using current rules already in place governing these actions.
Working in conjunction with the Columbus City Attorney’s office, Council will consider these amendments to City Code to ensure the health, safety and welfare of Columbus residents, while also continuing to ensure the ability of all citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights.
Title
To amend sections 525.01 and 525.24 and repeal section 525.23 of the Columbus City Codes in order to allow all non-profit entities to apply for a permit to engage in distribution in the roadway.
Body
WHEREAS, various sections in current Chapter 525 of the Columbus City Codes pertain to permitting for charitable organizations to solicit funds in the roadway; and
WHEREAS, the Columbus City Attorney’s office has determined that portions of Chapter 525 pertaining to charitable solicitations in the roadway is too exclusionary under the First Amendment; and
WHEREAS, permits allowing acts of distribution in a roadway are already subject to City provisions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, in furthering its efforts to promote safe neighborhoods while respecting the rights of residents, finds it necessary to open the roadway permit application to all non-profit distribution, preserving the health, safety, and welfare of Columbus residents; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That sections 525.01 and 525.24 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby amended as follows:
SEE ATTACHMENT
SECTION 2. That existing sections 525.01 and 525.24 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby repealed and replaced as provided herein.
SECTION 3. That section 525.23 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest date allowed by law.