Giles County issues formal policy for use of historic courthouse grounds and gazebo

Giles County has published a formal policy governing special events and non-governmental uses of the Historic Giles County Courthouse grounds and the gazebo, the countys Office of the County Executive announced in the document dated Nov. 28, 2023. The policy sets a uniform application process, conditions for approval, and grounds for denial or revocation.

The policy defines a "Special Event" as any organized assembly that reserves part of the grounds, requires county resources, or is expected to create a visual, noise or other environmental impact. It states that, while impromptu, unscheduled use of the grounds is allowed without a permit, limited portions of the grounds may be reserved for permitted events and only the gazebo may be reserved for exclusive private use.

Applicants must submit a Special Event application to the Office of the County Executive at least 10 days before the proposed event and provide a detailed schedule, anticipated attendance, a map showing requested use locations, electrical requirements, and the scope of any requested law-enforcement or emergency services. The application also requires execution of an indemnification and release of liability agreement holding Giles County harmless for damages related to the event.

The policy lists mandatory conditions for users: compliance with all federal, state and local laws; protection of courthouse property and lawns (with the user liable for repair costs); no driving or parking on sidewalks, grass or planted areas; and prohibitions on illegal drugs and alcohol on the grounds. It also restricts vending except where specifically permitted in writing, and requires event insurance for Chamber-sponsored activities that involve outside vendors or activities that could cause bodily injury (such insurance must list Giles County as additional insured and hold the county harmless).

Other operational limits include a ban on stapling or otherwise attaching materials to the gazebo or courthouse, a prohibition on certain indecent performances or materials, and electrical cord specifications (heavy-gauge cords required; light-gauge cords smaller than 14 AWG are prohibited). Service animals are permitted; other pets are not.

The policy clarifies that the courthouse building itself is not available for Special Event use. The building is normally open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; permitted events may occur outside those hours but without building access. The document also states that a City of Pulaski parade permit does not automatically include the countys courthouse grounds and that requests to protest city-approved events should be directed to the Pulaski City Council rather than the county.

The Office of the County Executive may deny or issue permits with conditions for reasons ranging from conflicts with other approved events, incomplete or false applications, untimely filing, prior noncompliance, public-safety or traffic-circulation risks, or other reasonable cause. Denials must be communicated in writing with stated reasons. Permits may be revoked for fraud or material changes in the proposed activity, and applicants may appeal denials or revocations; the County Executive may convene an Appeals Board (including the sheriff and commission leadership) to decide appeals within five business days.

The policy includes a Special Event application form that asks for contact information, requested dates and times, expected attendance, security and crowd-control plans, and a cleanup plan; it requires post-event cleanup and authorizes a county walk-through before and after the event if requested (post-event walk-throughs must occur within 48 hours unless waived). The form contains a broad indemnification clause the applicant must sign acknowledging the grounds are provided "AS IS" and agreeing to indemnify and hold Giles County and its officers harmless.

The policy is signed on the county form by G. S. Stowe, County Executive, and instructs that, upon approval, event dates and times be forwarded to Pulaski City Hall. Event organizers and members of the public seeking to use or reserve parts of the courthouse grounds should submit the required application and supporting materials to the Office of the County Executive in accordance with the 10-day deadline and other conditions laid out in the policy.