(A) Defined. For the purpose of this section, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BLOCK PARTY. A congregation of citizens/neighbors held outdoors and on public property for the purpose of conducting activities, including but not limited to children’s games, picnics, food preparation and dispensing, entertainment and the like.
(B) Permit required. No person shall conduct a block party and/or otherwise occupy or use a public street, alley, roadway, parkway or sidewalk for the purpose of conducting a block party without first obtaining a permit for the same, in writing, from the city.
(C) Criteria for permit issuance. No sooner than 30 days prior to the proposed date for a block party, the following must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office:
(1) (a) A petition containing the date, time and specific location for which a permit is requested to be issued, signed by no fewer than 50% of the property owners residing within the designated location; and
(b) A written statement by the block party organizers identifying, by name, address and telephone number, the person responsible for the event and an agreement that all provisions of this section will be complied with.
(2) Upon receipt of the same, the City Clerk shall place the petition on the Council agenda for the next available Council meeting for action by Council. The decision of Council shall be final.
(D) Rules. Notwithstanding the issuance of a permit, the following rules shall apply to all block parties:
(1) The placement of temporary barricades and the like, blocking access to the public roadway, shall not in any way hinder access by emergency vehicles, if required;
(2) Activities of the block party shall not commence prior to 8:00 a.m. and must cease by 9:00 p.m.;
(3) No individual admission charge is to be collected at the event for either entertainment, food, products or amusements;
(4) The provisions of Chapter 666 of the General Offenses Code relating to peace disturbances must be reasonably complied with, given the nature of the event;
(5) Amplified music, whether through live bands and/or reproduced sound, shall be of a volume that is no louder than is necessary for the convenient hearing of persons who are in attendance at the block party and should not unreasonably disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of neighboring blocks not involved; and
(6) Activities not otherwise legally authorized by state or local laws are prohibited, including, but not limited to, fireworks displays.
(E) Violations. In addition to the penalty provided in § 1020.99, violators of this section are subject to the revocation of any permits issued under this section and denial of future permits requested.
(Ord. 93-38, passed 7-13-1993)