Title
Consider adopting Ordinance No. 4001, approving an addition of Article V, “Special Events”, to Chapter 14, “Amusements and Entertainments”, of the City’s Code of Ordinances; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR
Community Services Department
BACKGROUND
The City of Farmers Branch is committed to fostering a connected community by supporting events that bring residents, businesses, visitors, and community organizations together. Community festivals, celebrations, and public gatherings strengthen neighborhood relationships, encourage civic engagement, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
Following the Council’s direction during FY 2025-26 to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service, the City began working toward establishing a centralized permitting process for special events. In response to the growing number and increasing complexity of events requiring coordination among multiple City departments, this streamlined process was presented to the City Council on July 15, 2025. The process proposed to improve interdepartmental collaboration, promote public safety, and ensure compliance with applicable City regulations. It will also provide a consistent review process for activities requiring multiple approvals, including temporary street closures, traffic control, large tent installations, food sales, temporary structures, and other operational requirements necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
The proposed Special Event Permitting Program will establish a centralized application process that provides applicants with a single point of contact while coordinating reviews across all applicable City departments. This approach will reduce redundant reviews, improve interdepartmental communication, create a more predictable permitting process, and enhance overall efficiency in event approvals for both applicants and City staff.
As part of the City's FY 2025-2026 Fee Schedule, the City Council approved a $50 Special Event Permit processing fee. However, implementation of the permitting program required adoption of a supporting ordinance. During that process, the City's transition to new legal representation delayed completion of the ordinance review. Staff has now completed the necessary legal review and is bringing the ordinance forward for City Council consideration to formally establish the Special Event Permitting Program within the City's Code of Ordinances.
DISCUSSION
Approval of Ordinance No. 4001 will establish Article V, "Special Events," within Chapter 14, "Amusements and Entertainments," of the City's Code of Ordinances and formally create a centralized Special Event Permitting Program.
The proposed ordinance establishes a consistent, citywide framework for reviewing and approving special events through a single application process that serves as the applicant's primary point of contact with the City. The centralized review process will improve coordination among City departments, reduce duplicative reviews, clarify application requirements, and provide a more efficient and predictable permitting experience for event organizers.
The ordinance includes provisions establishing:
• A definition of "special event."
• Application and documentation requirements.
• Operational standards necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare.
• Procedures for permit approval, denial, suspension, or revocation.
• Administration of the previously approved $50 Special Event Permit processing fee.
Additional permits may still be required from individual departments depending on the scope and nature of the event. The Special Event Permit serves as the centralized coordination mechanism and does not replace permits otherwise required by City ordinance or state law.
Approval of the ordinance will complete implementation of the Special Event Permitting Program, previously authorized through the City's fee schedule, and provide a streamlined, consistent, and transparent process that supports community events and protects the public interest.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
FISCAL IMPACT:
Increased permit revenue.
ATTACHMENT(S)
1. Ordinance No. 4001
2. Information Memorandum
3. Presentation