Dumpster permit rules in Columbus, Ohio
- Permit required
- Yes, on the street, in an alley or on the sidewalk
- Fee
- $100 application fee
- Time limit
- 7 days
- Issuing office
- Right-of-Way Permit Office, Department of Public Service
- Phone
- 614-645-7497
- Application
- City of Columbus right of way permit page
- Checked
- Nov 11, 2026
Columbus requires a 903 Occupancy permit for a dumpster on the street, in an alley or on the sidewalk. The rules do not cover a dumpster kept in a private driveway.
Permit
The permit is the 903 Occupancy permit. It covers street use with no digging. The city reviews an application in 3 to 10 business days.
Permit fee
The application fee is $100, paid when the application is submitted. Inspection is $75 an hour. A reissued permit is $50. The fees come from city rules dated Jan 7, 2019. The city's 2026 fee list does not include street permits.
Time limit
The permit covers 7 days. A longer period has to be approved in advance as part of the permit.
Where to apply
Applications are filed online at portal.columbus.gov/permits or in person. The Right-of-Way Permit Office is at 111 N. Front Street. It is open weekdays from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
The application includes a site plan. A traffic plan is required only when a whole street or alley is closed, not a curb lane.
Placement and markings
The dumpster carries high-intensity reflective barricade tape. The permit holder places two lighted barrels. Every parking meter the dumpster blocks is listed on the application. The permit holder pays the daily meter charge for each one.
Who applies
The city can issue the permit to the company that supplies the dumpster. Permits cannot be transferred.
Other rules
City code requires construction, remodeling and demolition waste to go in a dumpster or another container the city approves. An authorized hauler has to remove it.
Haulers need written permission from the city's Director to collect in Columbus. The fine for collecting without it is $250. Franklin County Public Health requires commercial haulers to register each truck every year, including trucks that carry these dumpsters. Both duties fall on the hauler.
In the city code, a "dumpster" is a 4 to 10 cubic yard container emptied by a front-loading truck. The larger rental kind is called a roll-off container there.