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Council weighs policy to limit "seat saving" on parade route amid safety and enforcement concerns
Summary
City staff and council members discussed requests from residents about people placing chairs and belongings along the parade route days in advance. Staff will draft a proposed policy limiting when items may be placed to protect sidewalks, right-of-way access and public safety.
Pleasant Grove City officials and staff discussed whether to adopt a policy restricting when residents and spectators may place chairs, tarps and other items along the city's parade route during a July 2025 work session, citing public-safety and enforcement concerns.
Parade coordinator Lisa said she supports a clear, citywide notice next year that would prohibit leaving chairs or blankets in the public right-of-way until a specified time before the parade. "My honest opinion is we need to put something out for next year that just says you cannot be out. No chairs, not blanket across the board. Nothing out until a certain time," Lisa said.
Staff and council members described a range of practices in nearby cities. City Staff member Eric said Provo and other nearby cities restrict how early items may be placed and deploy marshals or patrols on parade day to keep the pedestrian route clear; others have no formal rules and rely on informal norms. Staff recommended that the city's priority be to keep sidewalks and the road clear and to ensure ADA access and public-safety vehicle access.
Council members expressed concern about enforcement logistics, including identifying owners of unattended items and the potential need to collect or remove large numbers of chairs. Mayor and staff noted that many homeowners maintain the park strip (the narrow area between the sidewalk and curb) and that disputes can arise when others place items there days in advance. Staff offered to draft a proposal specific to Pleasant Grove that would define allowable times and locations for placing items in the public right-of-way and identify enforcement or notice approaches.
Council gave staff direction to prepare a draft policy for future consideration and public input. No ordinance was introduced or adopted during the session. Staff said they would likely begin with outreach and a public-notice approach and present options to the council for approval.
