TO: Mayor Colvin and Members of City Council
THRU: Erin Swinney, Police Attorney
FROM: Lachelle H. Pulliam, City Attorney
DATE: January 5, 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.
Issues/Analysis:
These sections of the Code have not been reviewed and updated since 2013.
Budget Impact:
N/A
Options:
1. Approve all changes and place on an upcoming regular meeting agenda.
2. Reject all chang...
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