Reminders to the public: Ithaca Commons ordinances and expectations

The Downtown Ithaca Commons pedestrian mall has its own set of codified ordinances and regulations, all designed to make the Commons a place people will find safe, secure, and welcoming. The Ithaca Police Department recently announced that they will practice increased enforcement of the ordinances posted on The Commons at the request of the community.  

Ithaca Police Chief Thomas Kelly stated, “The Downtown Commons is the heart of our community; it serves as an inclusive gathering place for everyone in Ithaca. Our goal is to support a safe, welcoming environment on the Commons and surrounding community. We appreciate everyone’s assistance in keeping Ithaca safe. There is robust programming in and around the Commons to beautify the area, support businesses, and create a safer space for everyone. I also want to thank the Community Outreach Worker program and our small businesses for all of their efforts and investments in and around the Commons.” 

The Commons ordinances are in place to maintain a positive, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone. As a pedestrian mall, there is no motor vehicle or bike access to reduce accidents, no smoking to maintain air quality, and no amplified music to allow programming to happen uninterrupted, among other rules outlined in the City Code.  

The rules outlined in the City Code for the commons include but are not limited to: 

• No smoking; this includes vaping, on the Commons and other outdoor areas such as playgrounds, and at outdoor city events. Full details on these locations can be found here: https://ecode360.com/14473588 
• No biking, skateboarding, or scooter riding; please park or walk your bike and carry your skateboard. (https://ecode360.com/33738481) 
• No amplified music, except for those with permits for Commons Use/ amplified sound (https://ecode360.com/33738459) More info on permitting for events on the commons can be found here: https://www.cityofithaca.org/174/Commons 
• No alcoholic beverages may be sold or consumed on the Commons except by special permit (https://ecode360.com/33738490) 
• Keep pets on a leash, and clean up after your pets (https://ecode360.com/33738491) More information about responsible dog ownership in urban environments can be found here: https://www.cityofithaca.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1261  

A full outline of all city code as it relates to the Ithaca Commons can be found here: https://ecode360.com/33738393 

City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff stated, “The City is actively working across departments to ensure that everyone can enjoy our Commons. The Planning Department is testing solutions to encourage compliance with bicycle safety; the City Manager’s Office is working with Tompkins County Whole Health to ensure the safety and health of our downtown dogs and offer guidance to their owners on best practices when visiting and living in the city. We will keep communicating with our downtown business owners and visitors and look forward to finding creative and practical ways to make our shared urban spaces shine. We thank IPD for all of their efforts to bring more awareness to our Commons ordinances and focusing on community well-being.”  

The Ithaca Police Department will continue with enforcement of the rules of the Ithaca Commons and will continue to enhance community safety through education and, when necessary, the issuing of tickets.  

Downtown residents and businesses are encouraged to be respectful of one another and, when appropriate, report issues to the proper authorities: 

• In the event of an emergency, dial 911 
• In the event of a mental health crisis, dial or text 988 
• To access community services, dial 211 or text 898211  
• To reach the Community Outreach Worker Program (supporting individuals in non-life-threatening distress), call or text 607-317-0100, or email commonsoutreach@reachmed.org.