Board adopts broader policy for public-facility use, adds outdoor assemblies and clearer review steps

Staff proposed and the board adopted revisions to the county policy for use of public facilities to incorporate outdoor non-athletic uses, establish multi-department review of special-event applications, clarify insurance and noise requirements, and add an Appendix D focused on public assemblies.

Deputy County Administrator Brett Chardin said the updates are intended to "facilitate use of the public's property" while ensuring safety and access; he described an application deadline, an interdepartmental review (administration, parks and rec, sheriff's office, fire and health), and stepped enforcement that seeks compliance before immediate shutdown for nonemergency issues. Chardin said insurance requirements would apply to commercial-style special events (runs, music festivals, vendor activities) but not to public assemblies that are purely expressive.

The board approved the revisions by voice vote. Supervisors said the changes aim to balance public access, ADA compliance and operational continuity for county services.