Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Presented by Jonathan Cook Events & Promotions Coordinator City of Waco Parks and Recreation
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Topics of Discussion • Need for a New Ordinance • Current Status of Events • Process of Planning an Event • Policies for Community Events • Communication and Implementation
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Purpose of New Ordinance • Increase of demands on resources and infrastructure from applicants • Conserve and allocate city resources and services • Create advance notice and planning • Ensure public safety at events
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance 1967 2018
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance • Increase in permit applications • Size and scope of events have grown Average Yearly Permits 2005: 75 2010: 150 2015: 250 2018: 200* (*Estimate)
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Event Classifications • Parades, festivals, concerts, races, rallies, neighborhood events – the list goes on When is a Permit Needed? • 150 or more attendees on public property • 50 attendees if equipment, vending present • Public or private property if closing a street, obstructing traffic, restricting access
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Permit Exemptions: • Leased property • Funeral processions • Events that abide by traffic control • First Amendment activities (unless requesting street closures or exclusive use of public property) • National Night Out events (unless closure of non-residential street or use of more than two blocks)
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance The Application Process • Creation of new permit application • Will require items such as site maps, street closure requests, projected attendance, public safety plan, noise mitigation plan and clean up efforts
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance The Application Timeline • Current deadline is 15 days for all events • Applications accepted 365 days in advance • 5 days (First Amendment events) • 45 days (Attendance less than 500) • 60 days (Attendance 501-4,999) • 180 days (Attendance more than 5,000)
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Public Safety Plan • Emergency Action Plan • Fire Operational Permit • Parking Plan • Police Services • Traffic Control Plan • Water Safety Plan • Requirements for numbers of law enforcement and emergency medical staff
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Neighbor Notifications • Advance notice for property owners along all the block faces of special event or parade • Signed affidavit from event organizer • Emphasis on communication
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Event Fees • Application Fee / Park Rental / Grounds Fee • Additional permits may be required • Services such as Police, Traffic, Solid Waste Before Permit Issued • Full cost of property rental / permit fees • Deposit that is equal to one-third of remainder of estimated city costs and fees • Balance due 60 days after event
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Neighborhood Associations • City to absorb first $1,000 of fees and services for one neighborhood event each year • Waiver of fee not eligible for: • Law enforcement fees • Closure of non-residential streets • Event hosted on more than two city blocks • Events held on City Holidays • If fee charged for attendance or admission • Closure does not have more than 60 percent approval from property owners
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance User Agreement • Costs of cleanup and restoration of public property beyond normal wear and tear • Indemnify the City • Insurance required for all events
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Application Review Process • Event Manager, Police, Fire, Emergency Management, Public Works, Parks and Rec Permit Issuance • Checklist of standards Denial/Modification/Revocation • Appeal Process
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance General Restrictions for Parades & Events • No activities between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. • No closures / impact on specific roadways • Ex.: I-35, portions of state roadways, Bosque, Valley Mills and Waco Drive General Conduct for Parades & Events • Portable restrooms, alcohol, food, street barricades, right-of-ways • Parade route specifications
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Offenses and Penalties • Regulations for not having permit, making false statements or violating provisions • Each offense punishable by a fine not to exceed: • $500 (article violations) • $2,000 (fire, zoning, public safety, public health)
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Implementation • Letter & email to current event organizers • E-Newsletter & Facebook • New Event Website Conclusion • Streamline process • Improve event planning • Enhance public safety
Outdoor Events & Parades Ordinance Questions?
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