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Denison staff proposes tighter rules for special events, including emergency plans for gatherings over 50
Summary
City staff presented proposed amendments to Chapter 31 (special events) that would expand definitions, create a Special Events Review Team, require emergency action plans for gatherings over 50 people and limit repeat events at the same location; council will consider an ordinance in March.
Miss Wallentine presented proposed amendments to Chapter 31 of the Denison Code of Ordinances on Monday, describing changes the city says are intended to keep a growing event season safe and manageable.
The proposed changes would expand definitions in the special events chapter, formally identify city departments involved in event review, establish a Special Events Review Team (CERT) that meets biweekly to coordinate city services, require an emergency action plan for events of more than 50 people, and limit events of the same nature at one location to two occurrences in a 12-month period except for city-sponsored or downtown partner events.
"These amendments are made to make sure that we have a successful event and that it's safe," Miss Wallentine said. She told the council the amendments are not intended to be a hardship on event organizers and said staff pulled representatives from public works, development services and public safety to craft the language.
Wallentine gave the council a usage snapshot to show why changes are being proposed: the city permitted 49 special events in 2023 and 77 in 2024, and staff say growing interest has created denser event clustering downtown.
Staff said the emergency action plan requirement would include emergency contacts and an event site plan; other requirements mentioned include screening and landscaping where applicable and coordination of city services through the CERT team.
No ordinance vote was taken Monday. Wallentine told the council the proposed ordinance will be brought to a March meeting for formal consideration.
