Special Events
Visalia Municipal code 12.48
Consideration & Direction on Initiating Updates
To Chapter 12.48 “Special Events”
Presentation is to conduct a review of current processes and ordinance requirements related to Special Events (Chapter 12.48).
Based on information provided during the presentation, the City Council may direct staff to proceed with:
Draft revisions to Chapter 12.48 based on the items noted in the report and presentation.
Solicit feedback from stakeholders that have utilized the Special Events process.
Revisions to Chapter 12.48 will be presented to Council for a first reading of the ordinance at a future meeting.
Required Clarifications and Corrections
Item No. 1: References to “Special Events Committee”:
Throughout Ordinance, “Special Events Committee” referenced.
Internal Staff Meeting/Not appointed Committee Members.
Recommendation is to revise language and replace the word “committee” with appropriate City staff reference.
Revisions will also include removal of language on applicant meetings to reflect how applications are processed.
Required Clarifications and Corrections
Item No. 2: Special Events Authorization:
Provide clear and concise language in the findings (Section 12.48.080).
Remove Limitations on Commercial Events.
Focus on Health and Safety Concerns.
Allow Denial if Event Interferes with Municipal or Public Agency Service.
Required Clarifications and Corrections
Item No. 3: Insurance, Indemnification, Risk Mitigation:
Policy Changes to Assure Proper Insurance is Provided.
Work w/ City Attorney’s office and City’s Risk Management Division on appropriate requirements.
Item No. 4: Monetary Deposits:
Create Policy For Deposit Formula.
Require Deposits on Events that Impact City Services.
Required Clarifications and Corrections
Item No. 5: Traffic & Usage Concerns:
Inquires received regarding repeated usage of the same area for the same event.
Council may want to consider protentional changes to the ordinance that may limit the number and/or frequency of an event that is continuously held in the same location.
Staff will look at impacts to right-of-way, traffic pattern disruptions, impacts to surrounding businesses.
Example of revision language that could be considered is provided in staff report and noted on the next slide.
Additional Items to Consider
Example language:
In order to prevent long term disruption of traffic patterns and to encourage the use of parks and/or public or private facilities, and not public streets for special events, for purposes of this ordinance, the city may determine that an event substantially interrupts the safe and orderly movement of vehicular traffic contiguous to the streets where the proposed event is to be held if the applicant is requesting to hold an event, other than a parade, in a street that will impact traffic patterns for more than twelve (12) days in a calendar year or has filed similar event applications impacting the same streets within the previous twelve (12) months. The city may find that no substantial interruption is occurring if the applicant for the special event, or a sponsor of the special event, is a property owner or tenant of property with street frontage in the area proposed for closure, or if the requested closures for special events only impact alleyways.
Recommendation
Staff recommendation is to direct staff to begin drafting revisions to Chapter 12.48 based on the City Council’s desired options as identified in the staff report and during the work session.
In addition, proposed revisions to ordinance can be presented to various stakeholders.
QUESTIONS