Oakdale adopts downtown special-event policy requiring 90-day application, petitions and 14-day notice

The Oakdale City Council on Feb. 18 adopted a policy setting new application and notification requirements for special events that include street or parking-lot closures in the downtown area.

Under the policy, applicants must submit a complete special-event application at least 90 days before the event. City staff will provide a street/parking-lot closure petition packet at least 60 days prior to the event; applicants must return completed petition packets with the required signatures at least 45 days before the event. Staff will issue final permits and conditions of approval at least 30 days before the event. The policy also requires event organizers to distribute a flyer with event details to all businesses and residents within the closure area at least 14 days before the event. The downtown closure area is defined in the packet and includes North First, North Second and North Third avenues between E and F streets and adjacent parking lots.

Staff said the new process is intended to increase transparency and ensure that businesses and residents in the area receive sufficient information and notice. "The proposed policy outlines a step by step process for applicants requiring them to submit detailed event plans, secure business resident consent for street and parking lot closures, and adhere to notification requirements," the presenting staff member said.

Council discussed examples such as the morning market and holiday events to clarify how the petition area and two-thirds approval apply when multiple streets are involved. The council also clarified fee and vendor-payment rules for recurring events such as weekly markets (one application for recurring dates with per-vendor business license fees).

The council approved the policy in a unanimous roll call vote.