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Council weighs tighter permitting, fees for for-profit canyon marathons after complaints of disruption
Summary
Brighton councilors and canyon stakeholders discussed concerns about for-profit marathons and other large events disrupting canyon communities and businesses; the council asked staff to report back next month on permitting, fees and interagency coordination.
Town and canyon representatives told the Brighton Town Council on July 8 that growing numbers and inconsistent permitting for for-profit marathons are creating significant disruption for canyon residents and businesses.
Representatives of the Big Cottonwood Canyon Association and other speakers said events can affect residents the day before and after a race, may not sufficiently offset impacts with contributions or local services, and sometimes bypass expected coordination with public safety and land managers. One council speaker said events with more than 600 participants are subject to a $1,000 special-event fee under current rules but argued for a sliding scale so larger events pay proportionally more to cover impacts. "If you get 5,000 people up here, then it should be more substantial," a council member said.
Staff and council discussed the need to clarify which agency issues permits when routes cross UDOT roads or federal lands, and whether the town should be more directly involved in permitting and fee collection to ensure resources such as off-duty officers, sanitation and traffic control are funded. The council directed staff to prepare a report for next month's meeting with recommendations on permitting, fee structures and coordination with the Metropolitan Service District, UDOT, Unified Police Department and the Forest Service.
