[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Newburgh 6-11-2007 by Ord. No.
8-2007.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Amusements — See Ch. 108.
Fire prevention — See Ch. 172.
Noise — See Ch. 212.
Parks and recreation areas — See Ch. 220.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 110,
Assemblies, which consisted of Art. I, Public Places, adopted 9-12-1988
by Ord. No. 19-88, as amended.
The City Council finds and determines that public events held
at various times throughout the year and at various venues within
the City of Newburgh enrich the quality of life and enhance the recognition
and celebration of our diverse cultural, historic, spiritual and artistic
heritage. The City Council further finds that providing public spaces
as an appropriate forum for the exercise of free expression is an
affirmative obligation of government under the First Amendment of
the Constitution of the United States and under the Constitution of
the State of New York. The City Council further finds and determines
that a system of organization and review is a necessary and appropriate
method of preserving and protecting public health and safety, protecting
property and facilities, coordinating emergency services and response,
ensuring the flow of communications and transportation, maintaining
compliance with applicable regulations and codes, and preserving public
order while affording opportunity and access to public facilities
in the best interest of the City of Newburgh and its citizens. To
that end, this chapter has as its purpose the lawful, necessary and
appropriate regulation of the time, place and manner of mass gatherings
and public events.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any person(s) or entity(ies) seeking to hold a mass gathering
or public event which is regulated hereunder and/or is subject to
any provision of law, rule and regulation, or any part thereof, which
is so subject, and which is subject to the review, inspection, regulation
or enforcement of or by the City or other lawful authority.
Unless otherwise designated, the City of Newburgh and its
authorized officials, officers and employees.
A gathering of 10 or more persons in such manner as shall
have been planned in advance around a central theme or purpose which
uses or occupies space on public premises, including but not limited
to public streets and sidewalks, public parkland, City-owned or -controlled
buildings, public waterways, public airspace, public highways and
thoroughfares, docks, walkways, bridges, mains or transmission lines,
berms, shoulders or lands auxiliary or adjacent thereto, in such manner
as would interfere with, obstruct, preclude or otherwise impact the
normal and ordinary use thereof by the general public, and all such
uses as the City may regulate or control as to time, place and manner
under the provisions of any and all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
Such events shall include but are not limited to festivals, parades,
rallies, fairs, celebrations, ceremonies, marches, demonstrations,
exhibitions, performances, arts and cultural events, and any other
occurrence involving public gathering and/or attendance which is not
otherwise considered a matter of right under prevailing law such as
to be exempt from governmental regulation.
A corporation or business organization defined and qualifying
as such under the laws, rules and/or regulations of the federal government
or of any state.
Any and all types and means, other than human beings of carrying,
transporting, displaying, offering, providing, selling or otherwise
using for commercial purposes wares, goods, merchandise, products,
foods, beverages, crafts, materials, clothing, or other items for
sale or distribution, including but not limited to wagons, carts,
pushcarts, automobiles, trucks, trailers, tables, platforms, benches,
surfaces, or other such means of display and/or sales.
A.
Any person or entity wishing to hold a mass gathering and/or public
event as defined herein on any public property or portion thereof
owned and/or controlled by the City of Newburgh is hereby required
to file a permit application and receive City approval thereof no
fewer than 28 days prior to the holding of same. Such approval shall
be given only upon satisfaction of all City requirements imposed as
conditions thereof and as required hereunder.
B.
Application for such permit shall be made upon forms prescribed therefor
by the City. Application forms shall require, at minimum, the following
information:
(1)
The correct name and address and telephone number of the person and/or
organization sponsoring or organizing the mass gathering or public
event.
(2)
If the applicant is a corporation, organization, or association,
the title of the individual completing the application, as so authorized
by said entity, and acting as the authorized representative of same.
(3)
The name of the person or persons in charge of organizing and conducting
the event, and the name, title, address and telephone number, including
cellular telephone number, and other contact information of the person
who shall be present at and with operational responsibility and authority
for the event.
(4)
If the applicant is a corporation, organization or association, the
names, titles, telephone numbers and other current contact information
of the chief executive officer(s) and other responsible persons in
authority over same.
(5)
The total number of people invited and/or expected to participate
and to be present as attendees of the event.
(6)
All locations requested to be used, and the dates and hours requested
for each such use.
(7)
The sanitary facilities, if required under this chapter, in addition
to any already existing and present at the proposed location, which
will be provided by the applicant.
(8)
Whether live or recorded music shall be utilized at the event, and
if so, a description thereof including any means of broadcast and/or
amplification.
(9)
Whether the applicant(s) has previously sought permits for mass gatherings,
events or assemblies in public places and, if so, when and where.
(10)
Whether any fees for participation and/or admission to the event
are to be charged, and if so, the amounts and schedule of same.
(11)
A description of the nature of the event and the reason why
public property is to be utilized.
(12)
Any provisions to be made or as may be required by any law,
rule or regulation to accommodate persons with disabilities.
C.
Except in the case of a spontaneous or similar event or exercise
of free speech such as those in response to a contemporaneous occurrence,
permit applications shall be filed no later than 28 days prior to
the date(s) of any event and in any event not later than the time
required for City to review same and to determine that all arrangements
are satisfactory and sufficient to protect public health, safety and
property. The City shall waive such requirement and accept the filing
of an application after the deadline for same if the City determines
that such late filing shall not have impaired the City's ability to
adequately review the application and all arrangements necessary to
hold the event as intended so as to safeguard the protection of public
health, safety and property by evaluating same according to the criteria
set forth herein; however, the City shall have the right to deny any
such permit and prohibit such event due to the late filing of an application
or other material failure to comply with City requirements as defined
hereunder, including if such late filing shall have precluded or significantly
impaired the City's ability and opportunity to evaluate said application
as provided under this chapter.
D.
Certificate of liability insurance.
(1)
Except as otherwise provided, the applicant shall furnish a certificate
of liability insurance covering the event to be held and naming the
City of Newburgh as an additional insured with limits of liability
of at least $1,000,000 for each occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate
for bodily injury and $50,000 for each occurrence and $100,000 aggregate
for property damage. All such policies must be written in the broadest
form available by a company authorized to do business in New York
State and of recognized financial standing which has been fully informed
about the proposed event.
(2)
The insurance coverage described hereinabove shall be increased by
the City Manager for good cause. As used herein, the term "good cause"
shall mean that the circumstances of the proposed event shall include
one or more of the following: the number of attendees and/or participants
shall be 150 or more persons; the inclusion of any animals other than
domesticated cats and dogs; the inclusion of ride-on attractions such
as roller-coasters, carousels, Ferris wheels or other such devices;
the inclusion of equipment or devices requiring connection to electricity
or other independently generated energy sources or utilities, including
but not limited to water and/or sewerage treatment systems; the presence
and/or use of fireworks, explosive devices, firearms, weapons, fire,
chemicals or other inherently hazardous or dangerous devices or materials
or activities. The amount by which the City Manager shall require
an increase in such insurance coverage shall be no less than two times
the amounts in U.S. dollars set forth in the preceding subsection.
In the event no such insurance coverage is available, the City Manager
may prohibit such activity or circumstance from inclusion in the event.
E.
Waiver or reduction of fees, insurance and/or security deposit requirements.
(1)
Notwithstanding the requirements to pay fees and/or provide insurance
coverage and/or a security deposit or escrow account as set forth
in this chapter, the City Manager shall have the authority to and
shall reduce and/or waive such requirements for all applicants who
qualify for such reduction and/or waiver according to the following
schedule and criteria:
(a)
If the applicant provides documentation showing that it is a not-for-profit and/or charitable organization organized and registered as such under the laws of the United States, the State of New York or any other state, or if the applicant sponsor or cosponsor of the event is a municipality, municipal corporation or agency or a department or subdivision thereof, no fees shall be charged, and no security deposit or escrow shall be required. Insurance coverage requirements as provided in Subsection D shall remain in effect, unless reduced or waived as provided therein or below, except that no separate policy of insurance shall be required of the municipal entities mentioned herein.
(b)
If the applicant is indigent, no fees shall be charged, and
no security deposit or escrow deposit shall be required. Indigent
applicants shall not be required to provide insurance coverage as
required hereinabove. As used herein, the term "indigent" shall mean
an individual with a gross annual income of less than $12,000; or
if the applicant is an organization, "indigent" shall mean having
a gross annual income for the current or most recent fiscal year or
organizational assets or a combined total of each of $20,000 or less.
(c)
Should the applicant show good cause why it cannot comply with
the requirements to provide insurance coverage as provide herein,
the City Manager shall require applicants other than indigent applicants
to provide a security deposit in the form of a bond or cash escrow
account to be held by and in the name of the City of Newburgh in the
amount of $10,000. As used herein, the term "good cause" shall mean
the unwillingness or inability of qualified insurers to provide the
required policies for reasons unrelated to any wrongful or negligent
acts or omissions of the applicant.
(2)
Applications for permits to hold events other than spontaneous or similar events or exercises of free speech such as those in response to a contemporaneous occurrence shall be accompanied by an application fee as set forth in Chapter 163, Fees, of this Code representing the administrative costs to the City for processing same.
[Amended 6-14-2010 by Ord. No. 10-2010]
A.
The City shall have the authority to determine the location where
all public events shall be held based upon the criteria hereinafter
set forth. Such locations may be on the grounds of certain discreet
public lands and facilities, including but not limited to Delano-Hitch
Recreation Park and facilities, Downing Park and facilities, other
City parks, parklands or open space, activity centers, Ann Street
parking lot, ferry parking lot, other City parking lots, Unico Park,
Newburgh Landing, other City waterfront properties and facilities;
or such City streets and thoroughfares as the City shall approve of,
determine and allow under the criteria set forth herein and as shall
be authorized and required hereunder.
B.
The City shall authorize and permit the event to take place at the
place and time requested by the applicant; provided, however, that
the City shall have the right to provide a location and time as nearly
equivalent to the requested location and time as possible if the City
determines that holding the event as requested could reasonably be
expected to create or result in circumstances which would pose a danger
to public health and safety or a risk of damage or loss to public
or private property or to the use thereof during or subsequent to
the event. In evaluating such danger or risk, the City will consider
the following criteria:
(1)
The number of persons invited to and/or reasonably expected to participate
in or attend the event, and the capacity and current condition of
the site(s) and/or location(s) requested by the applicant.
(2)
The anticipated duration of the event.
(3)
The actual time of day or night during which the event is expected
to or will occur.
(4)
The extent and dimensions of the area to be used for and occupied
by the event.
(5)
The specific facilities, sites and locations requested by the applicant
to be used for the event, including such characteristics as their
durability; cost of maintenance and repairs beyond that required by
normal use, wear and tear; surface composition; design and normal
and regular intended use; capacity; the presence of components of
utility systems and infrastructure or sensitive ecological, environmental,
historical or cultural assets; and/or the inclusion in the event of
the use of explosives or other inherently dangerous, damaging or destructive
instrumentalities.
(6)
The reasonably likely impacts and effects which the event will have
upon persons or functions which will be displaced or precluded at
the time or within a reasonably short time following the holding of
the subject event if the subject event is held at the places and times
requested by the applicant.
(7)
The apparent and inherent incompatibility of and between the times
and places requested by the applicant and the types of activities
reasonably anticipated to take place during the event. For example
and not by way of limitation, events shall be considered apparently
and inherently incompatible if the event will generate significant
noise near or in a hospital or other quiet zone; include lights or
signs or visual obstructions such as can reasonably be anticipated
to interfere with nearby vehicular traffic; if the proximity of a
site of ongoing construction could reasonably be considered to pose
a danger to attendees; or if holding the event at the time and place
requested by the applicant can be reasonably considered to cause or
create a public nuisance.
C.
In the event the City denies permission to hold the event at the
time(s) and place(s) requested, the City shall promptly provide the
applicant with written notice of such denial and shall include in
such written notice the reason(s) for such denial, and where appropriate,
the City shall further notify the applicant of such other time(s)
and/or place(s) when and where the subject event may be held which
shall be as nearly equivalent to the requested time and place as shall
be reasonably possible.
A.
In addition to any insurance coverage required hereunder, the City
shall require of any and all applicants and/or sponsors a security
deposit and/or escrow account for each such public event as defined
herein and/or regulated hereunder according to the criteria set forth
herein.
B.
The City Manager shall reasonably determine the amount of such security
deposit and/or escrow account, taking into account the following,
which shall be considered in making such determination:
(1)
The number of persons projected to attend the event.
(2)
The number of vendors, peddlers, booths, exhibits, rides, attractions,
features, entertainments and other aspects of the event.
(3)
The requirement of and the contents and provisions of any safety
plan required for such event and/or requirements reasonably imposed
by the City Code Enforcement Officer; and/or the City Engineer; and/or
the Fire Chief; and/or the Police Chief; and/or the Corporation Counsel;
and/or the City Manager related to established safety, security, engineering
and/or legal considerations.
(4)
The size, dimensions and extent of the public properties, facilities
and space projected to be used and occupied by the event.
(5)
The number of City staff and the number and time of hours of work
required of the City to provide supervision and direct services in
support of the event and all persons in attendance thereof.
(6)
The history, background, and nature of the applicant and/or sponsor
of the event, specifically with respect to its longevity, budget,
staff, history of compliance with City codes and regulations, local
presence and contacts with the City community, and other factors relevant
to the responsibility and accountability of same, but not with respect
to any political platform, opinion or posture of same or with respect
to any status or characteristic which is protected by or under the
federal or state constitutions or any civil rights laws or case law
determined thereunder, and not in such manner as may be discriminatory
or subjective or arbitrary as may be prohibited by law.
(7)
The extent to which the applicant and/or sponsor will require special
arrangements for such event with respect to utilities, energy, lighting,
vehicles, parking, connections, wiring, stages, platforms, scaffolding,
control boards and panels, sound and amplification equipment, costumes,
stage properties, private event staff and other materials, equipment
and/or personnel.
(8)
Whether or not any animals will be involved in any aspect of the
event and, if so, the number, kind and characteristics of same and
their role in the event and the number, qualifications and experience
of those charged with the control and supervision of same.
(9)
The number, kind and value of any and all City equipment, materials,
vehicles and other properties owned or controlled by the City and
used by the City in the supervision and control over said event, and
the loss, damage, depreciation and/or wear and tear reasonably likely
to be sustained by same.
(10)
Any characteristic, component, portion or element of the event
which may be reasonably considered to be inherently dangerous.
C.
The City shall receive such security deposit, whether in money or property or both, as the City may determine and keep and retain same in a protected and segregated manner. If the security deposit shall take the form of cash, monies or funds, the City shall deposit same in an escrow account. After the event has concluded, the City shall return such security deposit and/or Escrow Account to applicant and/or sponsor in the exact kind or amount deposited without interest, except for such monies or property of such value as shall fairly and accurately represent the cost to City incurred as a result of the event, which shall be calculated and based upon such factors directly related thereto, including but not limited to those considerations as are listed or mentioned in Subsection B hereinabove. The City shall provide the applicant/sponsor with an itemized statement indicating all such costs and expenses and showing proper deductions therefor, and the balance to be returned by the City to the applicant/sponsor after making all such deductions therefrom.
Before issuing any permit as required hereunder, for events
reasonably anticipated to involve more than 100 persons and/or to
include activities defined elsewhere herein as inherently dangerous,
the City may reasonably require the applicant/sponsor to provide a
safety plan designed to protect public health, safety and property
before, during and after said event. Such public safety plan shall
be subject to the prior review and approval of the Chief of Police,
the Fire Chief, the Code Compliance Supervisor, the City's Consulting
Engineer and the City Manager and shall comply with the requirements
of any and all such City and public safety officials acting in their
official capacities and employing their professional judgment on the
basis of their knowledge and experience, and with the provisions of
any and all applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations. Such safety
plan shall include provisions for adequate and sufficient toilet and
sanitation facilities, emergency medical response, communications
and command control, safety and security, and other provisions applicable
to events of such size and nature.
The City shall have the right to determine the times, hours, dates, durations and locations for all such events held on City or public property, which shall be done in consideration of the factors enumerated in § 110-5B hereinabove. The City shall be under no obligation to permit, allow or oversee any event if other events or activities are or will be anticipated to occur on the same day or times within the City and such other events or activities will make demands upon City personnel, properties, equipment or facilities such as to raise the reasonable possibility that the demand upon same may be such as to preclude the City from accommodating multiple events in a lawful, responsible, safe and organized manner. The City shall grant applications for the use of City locations, facilities and sites on a "first-come, first-served" basis and as described hereinabove.
A.
In addition to satisfying all requirements of City as provided herein,
all applicants/sponsors shall fully comply with all other applicable
laws, rules, codes, regulations and permit conditions as may be applicable
and as may be overseen and enforced by any and all other governmental,
municipal or legal agencies as may have jurisdiction thereover. City
shall be under no obligation to grant a permit and/or allow an event
to be held in the circumstance that City has reasonably reliable knowledge
indicating that any applicant/sponsor is not in compliance with any
law, code, rule or regulation administered or enforced by any government
agency applicable to the applicant/sponsor and/or the subject event.
City shall have the right to require the applicant to provide proof
of compliance with all such requirements, and should the applicant
fail to provide same, City may deny the applicant permission to hold
such event on City premises.
B.
Other requirements. Based upon the factors and considerations mentioned and listed in § 110-4B and other sections hereof, City shall have the right to require any applicant/sponsor at its own cost and expense to provide such personnel and/or equipment as City may reasonably deem to be appropriate and necessary to ensure the safety and security of the public and/or public property before, during and after such event, including but not limited to security personnel, communications equipment, medical and emergency response plans, services and vehicles, generators, lighting, sanitation facilities including toilets, garbage and trash collection and disposal facilities and services, parking and traffic control, and others, all of which shall be and remain subject to the oversight, supervision and control of City officials, officers and staff with supervisory responsibility for such event and for City property. City may impose and/or mandate compliance with such standards and requirements as same shall be reasonably related to the public policies to be supported by this chapter.
C.
Prior to and during any event, City shall have the right to prohibit
any and all activity related to any event from taking place upon or
impacting any City property, facility, equipment, personnel, street,
sidewalk or other public property owned or controlled by City, as
same shall be consistent with City's lawful rights, powers and duties
as custodian, trustee and proprietor of the public properties and
facilities owned, controlled and/or regulated by City under law, as
same may be reasonable necessary and appropriate to protect and safeguard
personal health and safety and prevent damage or loss to public or
adjacent private property.
[Amended 9-13-2021 by Ord. No. 5-2021]
A.
Denial. The City shall deny applications for permits to hold events
for any one or more of the following reasons:
(1)
The applicant has failed to complete and/or satisfy any of the requirements
of the application procedure or has failed to properly complete and/or
submit the application form.
(2)
The applicant has failed to pay the required fees and/or provide
the required insurance coverage or security or escrow account or deposit.
(3)
The applicant has a prior history of failing to comply with the terms,
conditions and requirements of applicable laws, codes, rules and regulations
in the holding of previous events or procedures applicable thereto.
(4)
The applicant has applied for permission to hold the event at such
time and/or place which is not available for any of the following
reasons and no other equivalent, suitable or sufficient place and/or
time is available to hold the proposed event:
(a)
The time and place has been granted to another applicant who
has filed a proper application prior to the subject application.
(b)
The safe and proper conduct and holding of the proposed event
will require the dedication and/or use of City personnel, property,
facilities or equipment at such time as same are not available by
reason of force majeure, including but not limited to extreme weather
conditions, fire, flood, public emergency, riot, labor unrest or other
matters or causes beyond the City's control.
(c)
The applicant has applied to hold the proposed event at a location which is not a traditional public forum and it is not dedicated or suitable for the proposed use or for events involving the exercise of free speech or expression or other activities protected by the First Amendment and/or for any of the reasons set forth in § 110-4B hereinabove.
(d)
The granting of the application to hold or conduct the event
in the time, place and/or manner described in the application and
the holding or conduct of same as so described would result in a violation
of one or more laws, code provisions, rules or regulations or the
civil rights of any individual under federal or state law, including
but not limited to those relating to buildings, electricity and other
forms of energy, fire prevention, sanitation, food and beverages,
toilet facilities, access to medical care, protection of property
rights, protection of fair business practices and economic competition,
public nuisances, noise, parking, intellectual property rights, occupancy,
disorderly conduct, emergency response, and those applicable to the
use of public parks and recreational facilities.
B.
In any case where a permit is denied under this section, the City shall provide the applicant with a written denial as set forth in § 110-4C hereinabove, and the applicant shall be entitled to submit an amended application, in compliance with the time frame set forth in this chapter, or a new application.
C.
Revocation.
(1)
The
City Manager or designee may revoke a permit if the permit holder
fails to abide by the terms and conditions of the permit or upon a
finding of any violation of any applicable rule, ordinance, local
law upon notice to the permit holder as set forth herein.
(2)
Any
permit for a public gathering or assemblage, parade or motorcade,
or special event issued pursuant to this chapter may be summarily
revoked by the City Manager or designee at any time when, by reason
of disaster, public calamity, riot or other emergency, the City Manager
or designee determines that the safety of the public or property requires
such revocation.
(3)
Notice
of any action revoking a permit shall be delivered by electronic mail
and, as immediately practicable thereafter, by certified mail to the
email address(es) and mailing address(es) listed on the permit application.
The filing of an application and/or the use of City- or publicly
owned property or facilities for an assembly, mass gathering or event
shall be and operate as a release of the City of Newburgh and its
officers, employees and agents from and against any and all claims,
actions, losses, liability or damages of any kind arising out of or
resulting from or caused by the occupancy or use of such property
or facilities by any and all persons or groups participating or involved
in said event, and the agreement of the applicant, sponsor, cosponsor
and organizer, jointly and severally, to indemnify defend and hold
harmless the City of Newburgh and its employees and agents from same.
The granting of permission by the City and/or the use of City-
or publicly owned property or facilities by any person or group or
organization shall in no way be considered an endorsement or any expression
of support, of disagreement or of any position or opinion of the City
whatsoever with respect to the activities, policies, opinions, positions,
precepts or other aspects of the persons or groups organizing, sponsoring,
holding or participating in such event or use, and no person associated
in any way with said event is authorized to or shall make any public
statements or representations concerning the City of Newburgh concerning
same.
If any part, portion or provision of this chapter shall be invalidated
by reason of any law or decision of any court or other agency with
authority or jurisdiction thereover, the remainder shall remain if
full force and effect as the sense thereof may allow.
This chapter shall take effect immediately, as provided by the
Municipal Home Rule Law and other laws of the State of New York.
