Pasco council adopts updated downtown special‑event code to streamline permits

PASCO — The Pasco City Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted Ordinance 48‑41, updating the city’s special‑event code to simplify permitting and expand opportunities for community events and sales in downtown Pasco.

Director Haley Mattson told the council the changes are primarily administrative "to make [the code] more user friendly and modernized for our customers and the public," including a single application form staff plans to begin using if the ordinance took effect, and clearer thresholds that classify events by size and impact.

Mattson said staff finalized only minor changes since the draft was last discussed and will shift initial application reviews to the city’s planning team to streamline internal processing. "Applicants will have one application to fill out that will be a lot easier," she said.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After a brief discussion, Councilman Perales moved to adopt the ordinance and the motion was seconded. The vote was unanimous.

The ordinance amends downtown business licensing and regulations to implement elements of the Pasco downtown master plan by expanding opportunities for events and sales throughout the city, providing severability and establishing an effective date. City staff said they intend to provide a follow‑up update to council — via CML report, miscellaneous items or a workshop — on how the code is working and whether additional changes are needed.

The council’s action is administrative and does not appropriate new funds. The update is intended to reduce application friction for organizers and to give staff a clearer framework for evaluating downtown events.

Looking ahead, staff will implement the new application form and begin processing permits under the revised code; council members asked for periodic updates on implementation and any unanticipated impacts.