Title
REF150053/ REF150054 - EVENTS
Workshop to receive Directors Interpretation for managing/permitting (large-scale) events.
Proposed CEQA Action: Interpretation of existing policy and regulations is not a project per Section 15321 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Countywide
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Planning Commission:
a. Accept the Director’s Interpretation for managing/permitting (large-scale) events until an ordinance is adopted; and
b. Provide direction to staff.
The Directors Interpretation is attached as Exhibit B. The Commission may accept this Interpretation or provide direction to amend the Interpretation.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Monterey County has a large tourist economy, which makes it a desired location for many events of varying size and complexity. The County has been permissive in allowing events to continue and expand with minimal public review.
Within the next year, staff intends to develop draft ordinances to distinguish and address these differing events. However, in the meantime, questions have been raised as to whether some of the events should be allowed to continue/expand. As events have proliferated, staff’s main focus has been protecting life and safety relative to structures (e.g. “tents”) and traffic safety.
In many cases, events in Monterey County began as small activities. Some of these events have become increasingly popular to where they expand beyond their original footprint and/or attract other associated events. Concerns have been expressed as to how these have been permitted. One the one hand, event organizers tend to claim that their events are either “grandfathered” based on past practices or that permit(s) issued would allow unlimited occupancy because there is no condition limiting the size. On the other hand, neighbors challenge that permits are needed where there is a change in the operation (e.g. exceed threshold capacity).
This interpretation is intended to provide guidance in identifying the permitting requirements for individual events until the matter can be resolved in an updated ordinance. Because this is a controversial topic, the interpretation is being presented to the Planning Commission for consideration to accept the Director’s interpretation as drafted or provide direction to amend the Interpretation. This process was identified to allow the public opportunity to understand and comment on the process used to determine which events are legal and which are not.
See Exhibit A for a detailed Discussion.
Prepared by: Carl P. Holm, AICP, RMA Director
The following attachments are on file with the RMA:
Exhibit A - Discussion
Exhibit B - Director’s Interpretation
cc: Planning Commission; RMA-Public Works; RMA-Environmental Services; Environmental Health Bureau; Water Resources Agency; MPWMD; Richard Rudisill; Michael Waxer; Rob Carver; Dale Ellis; Jennifer Stemler (MCVGA); John Bridges; Joel Panzer; Gwen Amaral; Cheryl Burrel (PBC); STR Distribution List