Explanation
This ordinance enacts new Columbus City Code Chapter 598 to establish licensing requirements and regulations for hotels and motels operating in the City of Columbus. In October of 2013, City Council was approached by neighborhood leaders, the City Attorney's office, and the Columbus of Police about developing licensing requirements and regulations for hotels and motels operating in the City of Columbus. The specific request was to address problem hotels and motels, and the impact of repeated patterns of the occurrence of criminal nuisance activity surrounding their operations. Currently, Chapter 4071 regulates Nuisance Abatement; however, this chapter does not provide remedies for criminal nuisance abatement.
The primary goal of this effort aims to support Columbus’ strong lodging industry, bring establishments into compliance with best safety practices, and update the code so that it can meet the needs of today’s lodging industry, all while preserving public safety. The City of Columbus is growing as a national travel and tourist destination. In addition to the needs of current and prospective convention visitors for safe and affordable lodging, there is demand for greater access to accommodations from residents and tourists.
This proposed code will establish licensing requirements and regulations for hotels and motels operating in the City of Columbus. The code will provide comprehensive regulations for all hotel and motel owners or operators. The code will require licensing and permit the inspection of hotels and motels operating on private property. The code will regulate how they operate and streamline the application and licensing process and establish a hearing and appeal process. Representatives from City Council, the Department of Public Safety, and the City Attorney’s office were consistently consulted as the code was drafted and finalized.
This was a comprehensive effort that involved the development of legislation and rules as well a...
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