Late event permits face penalties

SANDPOINT — For anyone who turns in a parade permit application less than 21 days before the event, it is going to cost them.

City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to amend its ordinance to penalize anyone desiring a parade or public assembly permit less than 21 days from the date of the event.

City Code previously required the permit requests to be 21 days or more from the date of the event, but city administrator Jennifer Stapleton said the rule was occasionally abused because there was no penalty.

"The majority of our large events do come in 21 days in advance, but we've had a number of issues over this year especially, past years as well, with individuals coming in with public events requesting a permit within 14 days of the event. We've had a few in recent months that have come in as late as 24 to 48 hours before an event."

Stapleton said it impacts city staff because event permits need to go through all of the city department heads, such as police and fire personnel, to take a look at traffic and public safety implications. Businesses around the event typically need notification as well in case of potential street closures or blocking parking and sidewalks.  

She said city staff was still processing the permits when individuals would come in a day or two before the event, so it is the hope that imposing penalties will deter people from coming in within the 21 days.

For those who come in 14 to 21 days before the event, the penalty will be 50 percent of the permit fee. If, for example, the permit was $150, the penalty would be $75 for a total of $225. For those who come in between seven and 14 days, the penalty will be 100 percent of the permit fee, so a $150 permit would cost $300. If a permit is requested within seven days of the event, the city will not process it.

"Again, this is out of concern about the impact to neighboring businesses, to other events going on in the community," she said. "We just don't feel there is adequate time for us to process it for there to be effective communication."

Stapleton said event permit fees typically run between $150-$200 depending on the impact to traffic, parking and sidewalks. A planned gathering that could initiate an attendance of 25 or more people triggers permit requirements for public assembly. Street, sidewalk and parking lot closures for events require permits. Some exceptions to these requirements include community block watch events, funeral processions, street fairs, government agencies acting within the scope of their function.

Information on parades and public assembly can be found on the city's website at cityofsandpoint.com under City Code Title 6, Chapter 6.