City of Augusta, ME Article VI Mass Outdoor Gatherings

[Amended 9-8-2003 by Ord. No. 105]

§ 115-26 Permit required.

A. It is recognized that a mass outdoor gathering attended by 200 or more persons may create a hazard to public health and safety. Accordingly, it is deemed to be appropriate and in the interest of the public welfare to regulate the conduct of such gatherings in order to protect the public health and safety.

B. No person shall sponsor, promote or conduct a mass outdoor gathering with the intent to attract or the understanding that the gathering may attract 200 or more persons until a permit has been obtained therefor from the Augusta Police Chief or his designee. The application for a permit must be submitted no less than seven days prior to the mass gathering, unless the City Manager allows a shorter time frame for good cause shown.

[Amended 5-3-2018 by Ord. No. 18-067]

§ 115-27 Granting or denial of permit; hearing.

The Police Chief shall grant a permit to sponsor, promote or conduct a mass outdoor gathering to be attended by 200 or more persons upon written application therefor unless it appears to the Police Chief within a reasonable certainty that such gathering will unreasonably endanger the public health or public safety. An applicant who has been denied a permit shall be granted a prompt hearing for reconsideration of such denial if the applicant so requests in writing submitted to the City Clerk within five days after notice of such denial; such hearing shall be before the City Council.

§ 115-28 Conditions of permit issuance.

A. Prior to the issuance of a permit under this article, the applicant shall furnish the Police Chief with adequate proof that the following will be available at the gathering:

(1) Adequate and satisfactory water supply and sewer facilities;

(2) Adequate refuse storage and disposal facilities;

(3) Adequate medical facilities;

(4) Adequate fire and police protection; and

(5) Such other matters as may be appropriate for security of health and safety.

B. The Police Chief may require such plans, specifications and reports as are deemed necessary for a proper review of the proposed mass gathering.[1]

[1] Editor's Note: Original § 3-119 of the 1990 Code, regarding bonds and other security, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 4-5-2004 by Ord. No. 55.

§ 115-29 Permit fee.

The fee for a permit under this article shall be $100, plus the cost estimated by the City for cleanup and traffic control. The fee of $100 is payable at the time of application and the balance when the permit is issued. The City Council may modify this fee from time to time by order.

§ 115-30 Violations and penalties.

Any person violating any provision of this article shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or by both.

§ 115-31 Exemptions.

This article does not apply to athletic events conducted by the Board of Education, Little League or other organizations, provided alcohol is not available.