Special  events include festivals, performances, competitions, or other organized public events in which public rights of way or public property will be used or significantly impacted as a result of the event and which, due to reasonable public safety concerns, require the involvement of public personnel and equipment dedicated to assisting in the event. 

Special events typically require the following:

• Road closures
• Park, trail or public parking lot closure
• Requires resources from multiple city departments
• Heavy parking requirements or restrictions
• Special electrical accommodations 
• Multiple residence affected during duration of event

There are two types of Special Events:

Community Special Events: those Special Events that the main purpose of which is to benefit the local community and for which no individual receives a monetary gain for coordination of the event.

Professional Special Events: those Special Events that the main purpose of which is to produce a financial benefit for an individual or an organization.

The City of Westerville City Hall Courtyard is a public space created for the enjoyment and use of the citizens of Westerville, the community at large, and the City of Westerville corporately in hosting special events for the benefit of its citizens. Given its adjacency to City Hall, there are some limitations to its use since City Hall is a workplace for government business. 

This permit is for individuals or companies interested in video/film production and/or photography on public property in the City of Westerville. This applies to individuals and companies promoting themselves, a product, or service, or the individual or company is producing a visual product for professional purposes. Typically these projects include road, right of way or park closures and increased city resources.

Block party permits inform the City of your intention and ensures you have permission to close your street down and that neighbors are notified.