TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Kelly Strickland, Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald Newton, AICP - Development Services Director
Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
FROM: David Steinmetz, Assistant Development Services Director
Joshua Hall, Police Attorney
DATE: June 2, 2025
RE:
Title
Temporary Use Standards for Special Events & Proposed Nuisance Party Ordinance
end
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal I: The City of Fayetteville will be a safe and secure community.
Executive Summary:
City Council is asked to receive a presentation on the process in which special events on private property are reviewed and approved. Additionally, the City’s ordinances do not address nuisance parties and such parties have been an issue in the City.
Background:
All special events held on private property within the City, including but not limited to cultural events, festivals, fairs, and communal camping, are subject to the procedures and standards outlined in 30-4. E.7, unless specifically exempted under Section 30-4. E.7.b. These events require a Temporary Use Permit for special events, which must be reviewed and approved (with or without conditions) by the City Manager in accordance with Section 30-2. C.10 before the event can take place.
Council could amend the Temporary Use Permit process for special events to require review and approval by both the Police Chief (or their designee) and the Fire Chief (or their designee), in accordance with Section 30-4. E.7.d.6, Provision of Security and Safety Measures. This change would ensure that both law enforcement and fire/emergency services have formal input on event safety plans, including crowd management, emergency access, and fire prevention measures. Their involvement will help ensure a coordinated and comprehensive public safety approach for all permitted events.
Council could also amend the process to include provisions discussed at the May 5, 2025 Special Council Meeting related to the limitation of only clear bags and the prohibition of masks, unless medically necessitated.
Further, the City has encountered problems with parties being held on private property that have negatively impacted the neighborhood due to a lack of security, adequate parking, etc.
Issues/Analysis:
Requiring review and approval from the Police and Fire Chiefs (or their designees) will enhance public safety by ensuring thorough review of security and emergency plans. It allows for early risk identification, improves coordination and communication with event organizers, and supports faster emergency response. While this may slightly lengthen the permit review process, the benefits to public safety and preparedness could outweigh the potential delay.
It is important to note that fewer than 10 Temporary Use Permits for special events are issued annually. As such, the anticipated impact on staff time and resources is expected to be minimal.
The City’s Code does not address nuisance parties; therefore, the City has encountered difficulties with exercising its general police powers/enforcement powers when issues arise at such parties.
Budget Impact:
None
Options:
1. Receive the report.
2. Do not receive the report and provide direction to staff.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends that City Council move to accept the report.
Attachments:
30-4.E7 - Special Events
Proposed Nuisance Party Ordinance