Use of Public Ways and Property

Information for citizens planning use of City-owned property, including streets, parks, City Plaza, and other public ways.

Do you or your group want to use City property? For a block party or a softball tournament or a music festival or a parade or a demonstration? Or to sell food at the Farmers Market or on City Plaza? If so, you or the group may need to get the City's permission. See the "Citizens Guide to Use of Public Property" for basic information on the private use of City property including whether permission is needed, fees are charged, or insurance is required.

There is more detailed information available for "parades" or "public assemblies" (a group of more than 25 people wanting to use the City streets and/or City Plaza and/or the sidewalks or more than 100 people wanting to use any City park) in the "Parades and Public Assemblies Information Sheet."

Information Guides

• Citizens' Guide to Use of Public Property
• Parades & Public Assemblies Information Sheet
• Ordinance Governing Use of Public Ways and Property - 4/04
• Parade/Race/Event Street Use Planning Guide

Applications

• Parade/Public Assembly Permit (includes park use)
  [e.g. Rally, Parade, Picket, Demonstration]
  If a parade or public assembly will be on municipal sidewalks, streets or City Plaza, contact Kathryn Johansen, (City Manager's Office), 319-356-5010 with questions.
  
  If a parade or public assembly will occur in any City park, contact Tammy Neumann, (Parks & Recreation), 319-356-5110 with questions.
• Mobile Vendor Permit (e.g. wheeled cart on City Plaza) - Contact Kathryn Johansen, (City Manager's Office), 319-356-5010 with questions.
• Ambulatory Vendor Permit - Contact Kathryn Johansen, (City Manager's Office), 319-356-5010 with questions.
• Temporary Use of Sidewalk Permit (e.g. sidewalk sales) - Contact Kathryn Johansen, (City Manager's Office), 319-356-5010 with questions.

Sidewalk Retailing (2009)

Ordinance No. 09-4336 provides that a Sidewalk Retailing Permit may be issued to individual retailers allowing placement of merchandise on the sidewalk. This permit will be in effect from March 1 through October 31, Thursdays through Sundays from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Under this provision, a permit may be issued to any individual retailer who completes the application, provides proof of liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and abides by the rules for sidewalk retailing established by the City Manager.

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