Canton lowers restrictions on outdoor special event requests
File photo
In the past, Canton required that a request to use public spaces for events be submitted four months in advance. Thursday night’s council meeting changed that. The newly adopted special events outdoor policy lowered the submission requirement to 60 days to 120 days.
“We have lost several events because of restrictions,” Mayor Zeb Smathers said at a meeting last Thursday.
At the Town’s July 11 meeting, the Pigeon River Garden Club requested to use the Orchard lot to host a fundraiser for the club, within 120 days of their event. The board did not motion to approve the request, but the club asked if the event could continue and the request be withdrew.
“This summer, we had several groups wanting to have events, but they did not meet the 120-day requirement,” Lisa Stinnett, interim town manager, said. “We revisited to make the policy less stringent to make it easier to apply to host an event.”
“I feel like it’s a good adjustment,” Alderman Tim Shepard said. “Two months should be more than enough time if they are serious event planners.”
The policy and application are difficult to find online, for a reason.
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“Individuals that are serious about hosting an event typically call or email to have the application emailed to them or make an appointment to meet with the staff to determine everything that the event would require.” Stinnett said. “So much goes into an event; we strongly encourage the producer to meet with town staff prior to applying. This allows staff to better help the producer have a successful application prior to going before the board.”
Currently, if someone were to try and find this policy online, they would find some information in the Canton Code of Ordinances. Within the ordinance, an application to host a parade requires a written request 24 hours in advance to the chief of police, which contradicts the town’s new 60-day policy. In cases where a 24-hour notice is used, the town policy would trump the ordinance in individual cases.
“These requests would be rarely granted due to the huge bind that it puts on Town staff to be able to close all the secondary streets, control traffic, as well as the monetary impact on the Town budget,” Stinnett clarified. “We typically have two parades a year that are Town-produced; however, individual requests would be considered by the Board on an individual basis for approval. They are considered a special event and would have to meet these requirements and Board approval.”
Alongside the change to request deadlines, there were numerous other changes throughout the policy. Now, 25 attendees constitute a special event, whereas in the past it was 50 people. Applicants for special events are now required to pay a $250 deposit 30 days in advance, instead of 90.
A new clause was added to address the need for police officers at the event. If officers are needed at the event the applicant must submit receipts for applicable fees to the special events coordinator no less than 20 days in advance. Cancellation of the event within 20 days constitutes a forfeiture of the deposit.
The new policy does not include Chestnut Mountain. More information about Canton town policies and events can be found at cantonnc.com.
