Author: Kevin Wieging
Being organized to react to issues is an important part of successfully influencing policies and compliance issues. In April of 2026, Ohio operators located in the Cincinnati area were facing additional permit fees to operate within the city, and Cincinnati Circus Owner Dave Willacker reached out to IOA for assistance. Building permits were being required by the city, although amusement rides are classified as exempt and State inspections are managed through the Ohio Department of Agriculture Ride Safety Division.
A misunderstanding of current regulations and the Authority Having Jurisdiction was an issue; however, clarification needed to be coordinated, and IOA reached out to Cincinnati officials as well as the Ohio Department of Agriculture Ride Safety to clarify both building codes and amusement ride safety in order to eliminate the redundancy for inspection and compliance.
After discussion, a ruling was finally provided in September that amusement rides, amusement devices, and amusement ride structures that are subject to inspection and certification by the Ohio Department of Agriculture shall not require a building permit from the City of Cincinnati when the ride or device falls within the scope of the state’s amusement ride regulatory program.
Cincinnati Building Codes Department did reserve the right to verify compliance with ODA Ride Safety inspections but would not duplicate the inspection and compliance requirements. We realize these situations are difficult and exist to be supportive to members and work through situations regarding compliance and review of existing standards. IOA acknowledges the assistance provided by the Ohio Department of Agriculture as well as state legislators coordinating communication with the Ohio Department of Commerce.
We also want to emphasize that a lot occurs at the local level, with members organizing efforts to coordinate communication and work through IOA as an association to represent their concerns. Building permits were adding a significant cost of compliance, and the positive outcome for members is a great example of being prepared with organized efforts in response. IOA hopes to continue assisting all members and coordinating local chapters organized for the benefit of the entire inflatable industry.