The Columbus Board of Works has approved the revision of the City of Columbus’ Event Policy.
Revisions were made to make the process and policy easier to understand and navigate, and fees were increased to keep up with current costs. Insurance requirements were increased due to risks to the city. DORA steps were included in the policy, as well as additional safety information.
The Community Events Review Group is composed of several different members of various city departments including fire, police, engineering, community development, transit, parks and more coming together for a more holistic approach to events in the city. The group meets monthly and reviews around 100 applications a year for events.
The policy application helps those planning an event consider all the little details. Accessibility, porta potties and insurance are three examples of often overlooked aspects.
Engineering technician Aimee Morris said that insurance is a main concern from event planners during the application process. She suggested that groups who cannot afford the insurance should partner with another group or department to find a solution.
“We’re protecting the city, we’re protecting those organizers,” Morris said.
City officials agreed that insurance is needed and cannot be done away with in this day and age.
The revised events policy was created to help remove strain from the city and to help make the events happen as smoothly as possible.
“(The Community Events Review Group) is consistently re-evaluating (the policy), obviously with the goal to make it as easy as possible to have an event in a safe way. Our primary responsibility is making sure that it’s safe,” Mayor Mary Ferdon said.
