Utah County commissioners propose amendments for large assembly safety regulations

The Utah County Commission held a work session on June 7, 2023, to discuss proposed amendments to the county's regulations on large public assemblies. The meeting, led by Ben Vannoy from the Utah County Attorney's Office, aimed to address safety concerns associated with gatherings of over 1,000 people, particularly in unincorporated areas of the county.

Vannoy highlighted that the current ordinance requires a permit only for gatherings lasting over 12 hours, a stipulation that has rendered the regulation ineffective, as no permits have been issued in recent memory. This gap has led to safety issues during large events, such as pop-up rodeos and dance parties, which have resulted in incidents including gun violence and DUI-related accidents.

The sheriff's office provided insights into the challenges faced during these large gatherings. They reported difficulties in managing events that lack proper safety protocols, which can lead to dangerous situations for both attendees and law enforcement. The sheriff emphasized that the goal of the proposed amendments is not to eliminate such events but to ensure they are conducted safely and responsibly.

The proposed changes aim to fill the regulatory gap for gatherings under 1,000 people that occur outside county property. Currently, state rules govern larger events, but there is no local regulation for smaller gatherings, which has led to an influx of events in the county as surrounding areas tighten their own regulations.

The discussion underscored the need for a balanced approach that encourages community events while prioritizing public safety. The commission plans to further review the proposed amendments to ensure they effectively address the concerns raised during the meeting.