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Council grants variance for circus at Tommy’s Machine Works after proximity rule appeal
Summary
Levelland Council unanimously granted a variance to allow a circus exhibition on the vacant lot at 2nd Street and Avenue H after staff denied the permit under Chapter 4, Article 4.708 proximity rules. Applicants said there would be no animals or rides and reported a tent capacity of approximately 120 people.
Levelland City Council voted unanimously April 7 to grant a variance allowing a circus exhibition on a vacant lot at the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue H.
Citystar Circus owner Gaston Jacques and property owner Julian Esparza appealed a staff denial that cited Chapter 4, Article 4.708 of the City of Levelland Code of Ordinances, which requires that no residence be within 300 feet of a proposed exhibition site. The applicants told council there would be no animals or rides at the event, presented written permission from neighboring residents, and reported that the tent holds approximately 120 people. Council member Bill Powell moved to grant the variance; Mayor Pro Tem Michael Stueart seconded the motion, which carried unanimously.
The ordinance language cited by staff also lists operational requirements for exhibitions — including a $500 cash indemnity bond, placement of trash containers, and minimum law-enforcement staffing — but council used its variance authority to allow this event to proceed despite the proximity concern. The action was recorded as a motion carried unanimously.
The decision resolves the applicants' appeal for this permit; any required permits, bonds, or conditions implied by Chapter 4, Article 4.708 remain in effect and would need to be satisfied before the event.
