Explanation
Background: The Department of Recreation and Parks is the first point of contact for event coordinators and has recently implemented an online City event permit process. The new application platform allows for greater visibility of event requests to all City departments. The Department of Recreation and Parks seeks to adopt code to increase the transparency of City requirements for applicants and to unify the requirements for special events held on City streets, public thoroughfares, and/or shared use paths.
In the interest of efficiency and consistency, the Department of Public Safety and the Department of Recreation and Parks seek code changes to repeal City Code Chapters 923- Block Parties, 924- Race Event Permits and 2111-Parade Permits and to adopt new Chapter 923- Special Event Permits. These code revisions will further align administration of Special Event Permits by the Recreation and Parks Department, enhance participant safety, increase public awareness, and result in better customer service experiences.
Fiscal Impact: No fiscal impact.
Title
To repeal Chapters 923, 924, and 2111 of the Columbus City Codes, and adopt new Chapter 923 to create uniform requirements for events conducted on public property to be administered by the Recreation and Parks Department. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, City Code changes are required to facilitate the consolidation of permit processes and establish the authority of the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department over the special event permit process; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus hosts hundreds of festivals, races, residential block parties, and other special events each year; and
WHEREAS, citywide special events are an important part of Columbus’ economic, community and tourism well-being. The City recognizes the need to encourage and promote events for the greater good, cultural diversity, and promotion of the City; and
WHEREAS, the City provides labor, supplies, and equipment to support many of these special events; and
WHEREAS, regulation of special events is essential to protecting public health, safety, and welfare. In order to properly plan for the demands on public resources, it is necessary to adopt consistent rules and regulations. The provisions of these changes are intended to address inefficiencies and are not intended to place unnecessary burdens on any right of association or freedom of expression; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Recreation and Parks to seek adoption of City Code requirements relating to Special Event Permits; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 923 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with the new Chapter 923 attached hereto as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. That Chapter 924 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed in its entirety and reserved for future use.
SECTION 3. That Chapter 2111 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed in its entirety and reserved for future use.
SECTION 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.