The Queen Creek Town Council on Oct. 15 adopted Ordinance 876‑25, adding Chapter 19 to the town code to provide a townwide permitting framework for special events and amending Chapter 9 (offenses). Police Chief (Interim) Bryan Bridal presented the measure and told council the change responded to repeated large private and public gatherings that have stretched police and other town resources.

Chief Bridal said the proposed code creates a single, clear set of definitions and a review process to handle intermittent events (less than four consecutive days) that deviate from the zoning or permitted use of a site, impact public roadways or require safety resources. He summarized the permitting timeline staff recommends: a 60‑day lead for large special events, 30 days for tournaments and 14 calendar days for block‑parties. The code provides an administrative review with a town permit administrator coordinating a cross‑departmental review and, where appropriate, imposing conditions such as traffic control plans, sanitation and medical coverage.

Bridal told council the policy goal is to enable events while protecting public safety. "We want to find a way to say yes," he said. The ordinance also establishes enforcement and remedy steps: staff will issue warnings and conditions, permits can be revoked for deviations or safety hazards, and the code authorizes civil citations and, only as a last resort for persistent noncompliance, misdemeanor charges. The code includes a mechanism to recover town costs for cleanup, emergency response and damages; applicants may appeal a denial or revocation to the town manager or the manager's designee within seven days.

Council debate focused heavily on the provision referencing amplified sound. Chief Bridal and staff described the provision as targeting large-scale amplification — "megaphones and big speakers and advanced sound systems" used for concerts or commercial events — and said the code would not be used to require permits for ordinary backyard gatherings. Councilmember Padilla and others pressed for clearer decibel or distance standards and worried that vague language could push routine neighborhood gatherings into a permitting requirement. Chief Bridal said staff will publish guidance, examples and liaison contacts to help applicants determine whether a permit is needed.

Councilmember Brown moved to approve Ordinance 876‑25 as presented. The motion passed by a 4–1 vote. Councilmembers who spoke in favor noted the ordinance creates an enforceable framework where none existed for many private gatherings that have imposed significant response costs; one council member urged staff to return with a six‑month report on implementation and any needed adjustments.

Staff said an expedited fee for late submittals may be proposed later, but no new fees were enacted as part of this ordinance. The town manager and department directors will finalize administrative procedures, staff liaisons and online guidance to accompany the code change.