20211117-2A: SETF Recommended Changes to Chapter 4-20 — original pdf

Recommendation

SPECIAL EVENTS TASK FORCE - RECOMMENDATION 20211117-2A Date: 11/17/2021 Subject: Recommended Changes to the Special Events Ordinance Motioned By: Jeff Smith Recommendation: Modify sections 4-20-1 and 4-20-21 of City Code (Special Events) Description of Recommendation to Council: RECOMMENDATION #1 4-20-1 (14) SPECIAL EVENT means an event that Seconded By: Laurel White (a) Has 100 or more attendees per day 50 or more attendees at any time at a city facility, other than the Austin Convention Center, Long Center, City Hall, or Palmer Events Center; (b) Impacts a city street, sidewalk, alley, walkway, or other city public right-of-way other than as permitted under Chapter 14-6 (Temporary Street Closures); or (c) Is temporary, involves 100 or more attendees per day 50 or more attendees at any time; and (i.) (ii.) Is inconsistent with the permanent use to which the property may legally be used, or the occupancy levels permitted on the property; and Includes one of the following: set up of temporary structures, including, but not limited to, tents, stages, or fences; use of sound equipment in an area described in Section 4-20-43(A); or provision of food or beverages, including alcohol. RECOMMENDATION #2 4-20-21 CATEGORIES OF SPECIAL EVENTS (B) A Tier 2 event is a special event that: attendees per day; or (1) Is an assembly lasting at a city facility that estimates attendance at less than 2,500 (2) is an assembly lasting four days or less, that is held primarily on private property, and that estimates attendances at less than 2,500 attendees per day; or 1 of 2 (3) is stationary and impacts up to two blocks of a street sidewalk, or city right of way. RECOMMENDATION #3 4-20-21 CATEGORIES OF SPECIAL EVENTS (B) A Tier 2 event is a special event that: attendees per day; or at one time. (1) Is an assembly lasting at a city facility that estimates attendance at less than 2,500 (2) is an assembly that is held primarily on private property and that estimates attendances at less than 2,500 attendees per day; or at one time is stationary and impacts up to two blocks of a street sidewalk, or city right of way. Rationale: RECOMMENDATION #1 This change would bring the Special Events definition into alignment with the International Fire Code definition of an event. This would also expand the protections in Chapter 4-20 for applicants with event attendance from 50-99 people. RECOMMENDATIONS # 2 The administrative difference between an event lasting 4 days versus 5 days or more is the application deadline. In instances where the only difference is the number of days, ACE has been waiving the application deadline down to 30 days if requested. This would not increase amplified sound usage as that can only be permitted for 4 consecutive days in a 30-day period. RECOMMENDATION #3 ACE staff, including the public safety departments, are primarily concerned with the number of attendees at one time when performing reviews and preparing staffing. This change allows for more events to be permitted under Tier 2. Vote For: James Russell, Jeff Smith, Heath Riddles, Mandi Thomas, Ingrid Weigand, Laurel White Against: Abstain: Absent: Bobby Garza, Cindy Lo, Shelley Phillips, Frances Thompson, Dan Carroll Attest: Brydan Summers Special Events Task Force Liaison Development Services Department 2 of 2