Frequently Asked Questions

General

• For best results, do not use a phone or tablet for permit submissions.

• Amplified sound permits are separate from Festival permits. If amplified sound will be utilized, a separate permit MUST be obtained.

• Amplified sound permits will NOT be granted for residential neighborhoods.

• Beginning 5/27/2025, there will be a $25 fee for each approved permit.

• The $25 permit fee is administrative and non-refundable. The permit fee will only be charged after the permit has been given tentative approval. You will receive an email notifying you that the permit is tentatively approved. Once payment is made in the payment portal, you will receive a second email with a copy of your permit attached.

  *NOTE* Your permit is not fully approved until after payment has been received.

• For permits in the Uptown district, please see the section, Uptown Guidelines.

Uptown Guidelines

• Uptown Columbus Event & Activity Permit Guidelines Effective May 1, 2025

  To ensure the safety, accessibility, and smooth coordination of events held in the 47 blocks of the Uptown District, all individuals, businesses, and organizations must follow the guidelines outlined below when requesting permits for events or activities within the public right-of-way.

• Permit Types Requiring Approval

  The following activities require a permit issued through the proper channels in coordination with Uptown Columbus and the City of Columbus:

  • Parades and Processions
  • Street Closures or Lane Blockages
  • Large Gatherings / Festivals
  • Outdoor Sound / Amplified Music
  • Open Container Ordinance Requests
  • Demonstrations / Public Assemblies

  *All permits will have a five-hour maximum time limit

• Application Timeline

  To ensure all required services (e.g., police, sanitation, barricades, etc.) can be properly scheduled and permits reviewed:

  • All permit requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the event date.
  • Demonstration permit requests must also be made in advance with adequate notice to allow for review and coordination of public safety services.

• General Requirements

  • A detailed event plan must be submitted with the application, including event location, layout, estimated attendance, timeline, and contact information.
  • Depending on the nature of the event, additional documentation may be required (e.g., certificate of insurance, site map, noise plan, etc.).
  • Applicants may need to coordinate a meeting with Uptown Columbus representatives prior to approval.
  • Late submissions may not be considered if adequate planning or Uptown or city resources cannot be confirmed in time.

  Contact & Submission Permit requests should be submitted via info@uptowncolumbusga.com . For questions or to schedule a consultation, please contact Uptown Columbus at (706)596-0111.