County creates special events ordinance
The Marshall County Board of Supervisors has drafted a proposed special events ordinance which requires a permit to hold large outdoor events in the county on personal property.
The resolution to adopt the Marshall County Special Events Ordinance is created to benefit the citizens by regulating events for the safety of the public and to set standards.
As such the ordinance concerns the time, place and manner special events may be conducted on county roads, county property or private property.
The need for an ordinance became more urgent after an unexpected event drew thousands to a musical event on Wall Hill Road, creating traffic jams and obstructing traffic for those living in the area and for security and law enforcement.
The standards are needed for health, fire, police, and transportation so the event does not create undesirable impacts on residents of the area where the event is staged.
The ordinance provides that sponsors and organizers coordinate with governmental agencies and neighbors well in advance of the event and to ensure:
• events are conducted in a safe, orderly manner to provide for access to the event, parking, sanitary facilities, utilities, security and safety, and for site cleanup.
• sites are suitable for the neighborhood so as to minimize any significant impacts on landowners, residents and businesses in the area.
• events do not create disturbances or a public nuisance, endanger life, health, or public safety, disrupt traffic or threaten or damage public or private property.
Examples of events covered under the ordinance include parades, bike races, marathons, fun runs, parties, concerts, carnivals and festivals, and covers events:
• on public right-of-way.
• of 200 or more participants outdoors where live amplified music is played.
• of 200 more participants where alcohol is present.
• of 250 or more participants. Exemptions include:
• weddings of property owner, family, or friends.
• funerals.
• private yard sales on residential lots.
• church events on church property or leased property.
• school events on school property or leased by school.
• existing approved events with approved operation plans are exempt. Applications for special events must be filed with the Marshall County Planning Commission, office of zoning, no less than 45 days prior to the date of the event. A Permit fee of $650 is required for each event within five days of notice the special event has been approved. Other standards required include:
• a safe and adequate water supply of drinking water.
• adequate number of portable toilets, hand washing stations, and separate toilets for males and females, to be removed immediately after the event.
• solid waste removal immediately after the event.
• a plan and procedures for on-site medical emergencies and crowd control.
• adequate private security personnel.
• structures shall comply with building and fire codes.
• on site parking to accommodate the maximum number of attendance. No parking will be permitted on county roads or state highways. An adequate number of entrances and exits are required.
• noise incompatible with the area is not permitted and lighting shall be adequate for safe egress from the site and directed away from adjacent properties.
• the hours of operation and days of the event will be specified.
• temporary structures shall be removed within 24 hours after the event.
• food and beverage services must be licensed.
• Zoning will issue or deny a permit within 15 days of the filed application.
• other considerations, such as appeals, right of entry for inspectors, law enforcement, and fire personnel free of charge, and code violations are stated, as well as penalties for violation of the provisions of the ordinance.
The ordinance was approved by a unanimous vote of the board of supervisors and adopted May 6, 2025, and made effective immediately beginning at 12:01 a.m.