Georgetown council reviews draft special-events ordinance after downtown businesses report disruption from Main Street closures

City Attorney Emily told the Georgetown City Council on Jan. 13 that a council-initiated draft special-events ordinance would set rules for planned events that use city property or the public right-of-way and would standardize permits, conditions and an appeals process.

The ordinance would create an improved application, require a communication plan, and allow the city to recover costs for staff time and services, Emily said. She described “the primary purpose” as creating “a process, more of a streamlined process for the people organizing these events to coordinate with the city to ensure the safe and orderly measures are in place.”

Councilors and staff focused on three problems the draft is intended to address: the frequency and impact of Main Street closures on downtown businesses, the lack of a consistent…