General Usage Rules of the Capitol Square Complex
Overview
Permit holders are required to read and abide by the following information.
The Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, Atrium and grounds are available for use by the public for the purpose of governmental business,
public meetings for free discussion of public questions, or for activities of a broad public purpose, provided the authorized procedure
has been followed and appropriate approvals have been received, if such use:
1) Does not interfere with the primary use of the Capitol Buildings or Grounds;
2) Is appropriate to the physical context of the Capitol Buildings or Grounds;
3) Does not unduly burden the managing authority;
4) Is not a hazard to the safety of the public or state employees;
5) Does not expose the State to the likelihood of expenses and/or damages which cannot be recovered.
Additional usage rules include:
• The use of the Capitol Square complex shall be denied for any activity conducted purely for profit or any activity inconsistent with or
in violation of local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
• The user organization will be assessed all appropriate equipment, electricity and labor fees associated with the event. Please make
checks payable to Treasurer, State of Ohio.
• The user organization shall not permit any act inconsistent with or in violation of local, state, or federal laws or C.S.R.A.B. administrative
rules.
• There shall be equal access for all groups for the use of Capitol Square complex regardless of race, religion, color, national origin,
gender or handicap.
• The Capitol Square complex shall be available for use any day of the week between the hours of 7 a.m. and 12 a.m.
• CSRAB reserves the right to limit the use of the Capitol Square complex, at any time, due to unforeseen operational circumstances or
state government needs. Every reasonable effort will be made to alleviate the effects of any such limitation.
• The permit holder shall maintain the Capitol Square complex in a responsible manner during the term of the permit, keeping them clean
and free of debris. The permit holder will be responsible for any actual costs or damages incurred by the Board as a result of the use of the Capitol Square complex.
• Banners are prohibited from being affixed to monuments, railings, historic fixtures and other areas of the Capitol Square complex.
• Signs on sticks, poles or stakes are prohibited.
• Helium filled balloons are prohibited.
• No smoking shall be permitted within the Ohio Statehouse, Senate Building, Atrium and parking garage.
• No equipment, apparatus, machine or vehicle is permitted within the Capitol Square complex without the express written permission of
the CSRAB.
• The permit holder needs to retrieve all materials left behind from their event within 10 days. After 10 days, CSRAB has the discretion
to dispose of all materials left behind at the permit holder’s expense.
• The issuance of a permit by the Board for use of the Capitol Square complex shall not imply endorsement or approval by the State of Ohio
of the actions, objectives or views of the permit holder.
• An optional deposit may be required based on the nature of the event. The deposit amount will be determined by the Capitol Square
Review and Advisory Board (C.S.R.A.B.) to protect damage to the property incurred during the term of this permit. C.S.R.A.B. has the
discretion to waive this deposit requirement.
• C.S.R.A.B. requires the user organization to file a certificate of insurance with the Board at least three days prior to the event.
• The user organization shall maintain Capitol Square facilities in a reasonable manner during the terms of this permit, keeping it clean,
sanitary, and free of debris. After termination of this permit, Capitol Square areas shall be returned to C.S.R.A.B. in the same condition
as prior to the event.
• C.S.R.A.B. security or maintenance personnel will be used as agreed upon by the board and permit applicant. All service charges will
be billed to the permit holder immediately following the date of the event. The permit holder is responsible for payment within 30 days
of the completion of the event.
• A 20% commission will be assessed to all outside rental service providers, including hired entertainment. Final payment must be received 30 days after the event.
• The use of stickers or labels, cellophane pressure sensitive tape, screws, nails, balloons, sticks, poles, or any other mounting
technique for displaying signs, banners, or flags which adversely affects the structural, safety or decorative condition of the Capitol
Square buildings or any permanent structure on the premises is prohibited.
• Supplemental accommodations such as, but not limited to: electricity, water, litter control, and outdoor facilities may be provided
by C.S.R.A.B. These items will be charged to the permit holder.
• Use of Capitol Square facilities shall only be done in a manner so as not to interfere or compete with the normal business
proceedings of the state.
• Use of sound projection equipment shall be in compliance with local noise ordinances and used in a manner so as to not interfere
with the proceedings of the state or other activities being conducted on Capitol Square.
• No food or beverages, or merchandise shall be sold or dispensed on Capitol Square Grounds without the express written consent of
C.S.R.A.B. No transient vendors are permitted to use the Capitol Square facilities. Food and beverage dispensing shall be in accordance with all state and federal laws.
• The user organization shall indemnify and hold harmless the State of Ohio and C.S.R.A.B. against any and all claims, demands,
actions, or causes, of actions, together with any and all losses, costs, or related expenses asserted by any person or persons for
bodily injury, death, or property damages resulting from or arising out of this permitted use of Capitol Square.
All events held on Capitol Square are subject to the Capitol Square Special Event Policies and Procedures. All Capitol Square Special
Event Clients are required to adhere to each rule outlined in the document below.
Capitol Square Special Event Policies and Procedures
