TO: Mayor Colvin and Members of City Council
THRU: Erin Swinney, Police Attorney
FROM: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
DATE: April 27, 2026
RE:Title
Consider Proposed Amendments to Parades, Motorcades, Special Events and Demonstrations Ordinance
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal I: Safe and Secure Community
Priority I: Ongoing Commitment to a Comprehensive Approach to Community Safety
Executive Summary:
The following changes are proposed to the Fayetteville City Code, Chapter 24 Streets and Sidewalks, Article VIII. - Parades, Motorcades, Special Events and Demonstrations:
24-282 - Picketing Permitted; Standards of Conduct for Picketing Activities:
• Creates a buffer limiting demonstrations near outdoor dining areas
• Relocates a provision from Section 24-285 prohibiting demonstrations at residences
• Prohibits the use of fighting words as well as threatening and indecent language by pickets
• Clarifies enforceability
24-283 - Interference with Pickets Prohibited; Police Authority to Disperse Crowds; Failure to Leave When Ordered Declared Offense:
• Prohibits the use of fighting words as well as threatening and indecent language by spectators
• Conforms the Code with North Carolina General Statutes as it relates to commands to disperse from police officers
24-285 - Notice of Intent to Picket:
• Relocates/removes provisions that are not relevant to the notice of intent to picket
• Requires a receipt of notice for all pickets, not just groups of 10 or more persons
Background:
Review of the ordinances regarding parades, motorcades, special events and demonstrations revealed various updates and clarifications needed to enhance community safety. This item was last heard at the January 5, 2026 work session. At that time, there was consensus of Council to reconsider the item within 30-60 days.
Issues/Analysis:
These sections of the Code have not been reviewed and updated since 2013.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Options:
1. Approve all proposed changes.
2. Reject all proposed changes and provide additional direction to staff.
3. Approve specific changes.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that Council approves specific changes.
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Attachments:
1. Section 24-282 Redlined & Clean as Proposed
2. Section 24-283 Redlined & Clean as Proposed
3. Section 24-285 Redlined & Clean as Proposed
4. Presentation on Proposed Changes to Demonstrations Ordinance