Ferndale council adopts revised special-events policy with formal waiver process and manager sign-off

Ferndale City Council on March 13 approved amendments to the city’s special‑events policy, adding a formal process for applicants to request waivers and directing final editorial approval to the city manager before the policy takes effect.

The council’s amendment requires event applicants to request any needed waivers “no later than the final scheduled meeting of the special events committee prior to the committee’s final recommendation.” The special events committee will recommend approval or denial of requested waivers as part of its final recommendation to council. The full policy will be returned to the city manager for final wording before the document goes into effect.

Council members said the changes respond to recurring safety and logistics concerns raised by police, fire and public works staff when large downtown events are planned. The update codifies long‑standing practices—such as department walkthroughs before events and the need for event fencing, barricades and emergency access—while adding more explicit guidance on when organizers may seek exceptions.

Event organizers and community members who addressed the council described specific pain points during the committee review. Julia Musick, who runs Ferndale Pride, told council that special events materially increase downtown parking revenue and urged flexibility for…