[Adopted 5-8-2006 by Ord. No. 3-2006]
The purpose of this article is to provide for
the temporary blocking of City streets in a safe manner to allow neighborhoods,
or portions thereof, to have neighborhood block parties that will
use portions of the public street and temporarily close the street
to vehicular traffic.
As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
A get-together, celebration or other similar event intended
to be attended by a neighborhood or section of the City, but shall
not include a garage sale, yard sale, bazaar, rummage sale or other
similar activity having the principal purpose of fund-raising for
an individual or organization, nor shall it include a political meeting
or rally, carnival, theatrical, or musical performances, such as concerts
or similar events.
A City street, highway or road.
A.
Any person, before blocking or barricading a street
in the City of Taneytown for purposes of holding a block party, shall
obtain a permit from the City Manager.
B.
The City Manager shall be authorized to issue a permit
for the temporary blocking of a street for the purpose of holding
a block party. Such permit shall allow the temporary blocking of a
street on one particular date only, and during a specified time period,
which shall be of a single duration.
C.
An application for such permit shall be filed with
the City at least seven days before the commencement of such party.
In conjunction with the application, the applicant must provide written
confirmation to the City, in the form of a petition or on the application
itself, that at least 51% of the property owners fronting on said
street to be closed have approved the submission of the application
and street closure. Such application shall contain the following minimum
information:
D.
The specific nature of the form of the application
and permit shall be determined by the City Manager.
E.
The application fee for this permit shall be set from
time to time by resolution of the Mayor and City Council.
The permit shall be approved by the City Manager
if it is determined that the block party meets the criteria of this
article and that blocking the street or portion thereof on the date
requested in the application will not unduly interfere with the flow
of vehicular traffic or the safety of the residents of the City. The
City Manager shall advise the applicant, in writing, of the reason
for denial of the application.
A.
Duration of permit; time limitations. A permit issued
pursuant to this article shall be valid only on state and/or federal
holidays and weekends for the date and hours specified thereon, which
shall not be before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m.
B.
Cleanup required. The applicant shall be responsible
for the removal of litter, debris and other materials from the street
or portion thereof used for the party which is attributable to or
caused by the party.
C.
Blocking of streets.
(1)
Prior to the commencement of the time for which the
road is to be blocked, the City Public Works Director shall cause
the street or portion thereof to be blocked, by devices of his choice,
to motor vehicles except authorized emergency or hazard vehicles,
and to provide detour signs for vehicular traffic. No other person
shall in any manner block or place barricades in the road.
(2)
A street or portion thereof blocked off for a party
shall not be obstructed by picnic tables and shall not be obstructed
by other obstacles which cannot be readily moved to allow emergency
or hazard vehicles to enter in response to an emergency.
(3)
The City Manager shall notify the Police Department
and the appropriate Fire Department of the date and time of the street
blocking at the time the permit is issued.
D.
Alcoholic beverages. Open containers with alcohol
are prohibited on City streets.
E.
Disclaimer and hold harmless. The applicant must submit
with the application a signed disclaimer on a form provided by the
City. Further, any person obtaining a permit as provided by this article
agrees, as a condition of the issuance of the permit, to indemnify
and hold harmless the City against any claims and expenses, including
attorney's fees and court costs, for any claim for bodily injury or
property damage for accidents or occurrences arising out of the use
of the public street for the block party.
No more than two permits shall be granted by
the City in any calendar year for the same neighborhood.
