Explanation
This ordinance is to amend Section 919.06 of the Columbus City Code to grant the Director of Recreation and Parks the authority to set policies and rules for issuing permits without requiring a fixed number in City Code. The original ordinance enacted by City Council in 1991 is 1648-1991.
Background: It has been 27 years since Section 919.06 was changed (Ord. 1648-1991) to establish in City Code the requirement that when more than 10 people gather in any city park they are required to obtain a permit. Eliminating the number ten in City Code will support the mission of the Recreation and Parks Master Plan to encourage our citizens to utilize our parks to build stronger neighborhoods.
The criteria for requiring a citizen or group of citizens to obtain a permit in a city park should be set in Recreation and Parks Policy and not in City Code. Allowing the Director of Recreation and Parks to establish guidelines for issuing a permit allows for flexibility in delivering better customer service.
Emergency Justification: An emergency is being requested in order for the updates to be made before the 2019 application is released.
Benefits to the Public: Allows more citizens to utilize city parks without requirement of a permit.
Title
To amend Section 919.06 of the Columbus City Code to authorize the Director of Recreation and Parks to promulgate policies and rules for issuing permits for use of parks or facilities; and to declare an emergency.
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to amend City Code Section 919.06 in order to authorize the Director to promulgate policies and rules for issuing permits for use of parks and facilities; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the amendment of City Code Section 919.06 to set policy and rules for issuing permits without requiring a fixed number in City Code; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the following Section, 919.06, of the Columbus City Code be amended to read as follows:
919.06 - Permits.
(A) No person, in any park, shall participate in any meeting, parade or other organized activity involving more than ten (10) persons without a permit issued by the director.
(A) The Director is authorized to promulgate policies and rules regarding requirements for issuance of permits for use of parks or facilities.
(B) No person shall fail to comply with the fee requirements or other terms and conditions of any such permit issued under the provisions of this chapter.
(C) All permits issued by the director must be exhibited in a clear and conspicuous location and produced upon the demand of any law enforcement officer.
SECTION 2. That prior existing Section 919.06 of the Columbus City Code is hereby repealed.
SECTION 3. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor, or 10 days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.