A. Any special use of the public right-of-way, closing of the public right-of-way or any street, by any person, organization or corporation, requires the approval of the board of public works and safety. The board of public works and safety must be informed of the nature of the work or event, the location of the work or event and the dates and duration of the work or event. The board of public works and safety has the authority, after receiving the recommendation of the chief of police, fire chief, city engineer and other department heads of the city, to close an area of the public right-of-way to public traffic.
B. When the public right-of-way is closed, said closed area will be barricaded by the person, organization or corporation to the satisfaction of the city engineer.
C. The parking meter department of the police department will be notified of the closing of any area of the public right-of-way. The fire department will be notified of the closing of any public right-of-way as a result of action taken by the board of public works and safety.
D. The board of public works and safety will not approve the closing of parking areas, sidewalks, alleys or traffic lanes merely for the convenience of parking or storing construction vehicles or equipment. Closing of the public right-of-way will be granted only when the board feels it is necessary to safeguard person and property, or when it is mandated by the nature of the work being performed or event being contemplated.
E. The person, partnership, organization or corporation shall be responsible for any and all damages to the public right-of-way, sidewalk, curbing, roadway and any other improvements in the public right-of-way, which may result from the work, or the performance of work by others that said person, organization or corporation allows in the public right-of-way closed by Columbus board of public works and safety. Furthermore, said person, organization or corporation, shall be required by the Columbus board of public works and safety to post an adequate bond and/or other valuable consideration to indemnify and/or reimburse the city, for the damage to the public right-of-way, sidewalk, curbing, roadway and any other improvements in the public right-of-way. The amount of said consideration and/or bond shall be determined by the Columbus board of public works and safety upon recommendation of the office of the city engineer and said consideration shall be posted with the office of the city controller prior to commencement and the issuance of any permit pursuant to this section.
F. Any person, partnership, organization or corporation seeking permission to close or isolate a portion of the right-of-way as described above shall complete a "Request for Special Use of Right-of-Way" form, and deliver said form to the city engineer's office.
G. The city election has the authority to grant permission to isolate and close a portion of the public right-of-way involving sidewalks and parking stalls only. If granted, the person, partnership, organization or corporation will inform the traffic department by copy of the approved request.
H. The board of public works and safety retains the sole authority to isolate and close traffic lanes; this requires the approval of the board of public works and safety. (Ord. 33-2023, 2023; Ord. 45-2014, 2014; prior code § 15-93)