Committee discusses tightening park-use policies and rules for inflatables after insurance concerns

Amy Thomas raised the need for clearer park-use policies as vendor events increase. Committee members debated whether the county should continue enforcing language that bans inflatables on county property or allow them conditionally with proof of insurance.

Staff noted an insurance-company email dated 05/11/2022 saying inflatables (bounce houses) are not allowed on county property; committee members said they had observed inflatables at past events without incident and suggested allowing them if properly insured. Several members cautioned that the county must consult the county attorney to avoid increased liability and recommended comparing surrounding counties’ policies.

A codes official explained that the county and city have differing processes: some city events go through a board of zoning appeals (BZA) while county temporary-use permits are handled through the building official. Members asked staff to draft a consolidated policy or streamlined permit process that protects county liability while allowing legitimate events to proceed. The committee agreed to consult the county attorney and return with a draft policy for review.