Chapter 5.18
PRIVATE EVENTS
Sections:
5.18.030 Permit application procedure.
5.18.040 Private event rules and regulations.
5.18.050 Litter control/cleanup.
5.18.060 Access by clerk-treasurer, police and fire officers.
5.18.070 Permit limited to permittee and location.
* Prior legislation: Ord. 530.
5.18.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide regulations for qualifying private events that do not come under the definition of “public dance” as that term is defined in Section 5.20.010. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.020 Definitions.
For purposes of this chapter and unless the context plainly requires otherwise, the following definitions are adopted:
A. All of the definitions set forth in Chapter 5.20.
B. “Private event” means a birthday party, wedding, wedding reception, baptism, family reunion, graduation party, promotion party, first communion, retirement party, or other banquet, party, or celebration conducted for invited guests which is not open to the public and where music and/or dancing occurs and which is not a “public dance” as that term is defined in Section 5.20.010(H). The term “private event” as used in this chapter shall only include private events that occur at a place other than a residential structure where at least one of the members in attendance at the event resides.
C. “Music” means and includes any combination of instruments and/or electronic equipment that collectively exceeds a total of one hundred watts. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.030 Permit application procedure.
A. To hold a private event within the city, a private event permit must be obtained from the city clerk-treasurer. The forms shall be in the format required by the city clerk-treasurer and must be returned at least fifteen days prior to the private event occurring. Upon receipt of a timely, complete application form in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and the application fee, the city clerk-treasurer shall issue the permit for the private event.
B. Application forms, at minimum, shall include the following:
1. The name, telephone number and place of residence of the applicant;
2. The purpose of the private event, i.e., wedding, birthday party or other event;
3. The mailing address of the applicant;
4. The address and description of the premises to be permitted for the private event;
5. The name, telephone number and address of the owner of the premises to be permitted for the private event;
6. The time and date of the private event to be held and expected number of attendees;
7. A nonrefundable application fee in an amount set by resolution of the city council from time to time. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.040 Private event rules and regulations.
The following rules and regulations shall apply to private events regulated by this chapter:
A. The applicant for a private event must be at least eighteen years of age and must be twenty-one years of age if alcoholic beverages are to be served.
B. The serving of alcohol on the premises shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the state of Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board and all applicable permits shall be obtained by the applicant in advance of the private event.
C. No alcoholic beverages shall be served to anyone under the age of twenty-one years. No alcohol beverages shall be served outside of the structure where the private event is held. All alcoholic beverages will be purchased at a retail store. No money shall be donated or paid at the event for the consumption of alcoholic beverages.
D. All private events shall end at twelve midnight (twelve a.m.) or earlier.
E. The number of individuals in attendance at the private event shall not exceed the number of attendees indicated on permit application.
F. The number of attendees shall not exceed the fire code regulations for the structure where the private event is held.
G. Absolutely no money may be collected at the private event either by payment of a fee or by donation.
H. The noise level inside the building shall not exceed ninety-five decibels. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.050 Litter control/cleanup.
A. All litter or garbage created from the private event outside of the structure must be cleaned up and removed before eight a.m. the following day; provided, however, if an event ends at midnight, litter and garbage must be cleaned and removed by eight a.m. the same day.
B. The property owner may be charged a civil fine and cleanup charges if so desired by city management. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.060 Access by clerk-treasurer, police and fire officers.
The city clerk-treasurer or his or her designee, all law enforcement officers, and the city fire chief or his or her designee shall have unrestricted access to the private event and the structure where the private event is being conducted for the purpose of inspection and to enforce compliance with the provisions of this chapter and other applicable city, county and state health, zoning, building, fire and safety ordinances and laws. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.070 Permit limited to permittee and location.
Any permit issued under the provisions of this chapter shall apply to a single permittee, a single location, a single event and on a single date and shall not be transferable to other locations, to other persons or to other dates. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)
5.18.080 Civil penalty.
A. Any violation of the terms of the provisions of this chapter shall result in immediate revocation of the private event permit issued by the city.
B. In addition to the revocation of the permit provided for in subsection (A) of this section, each individual and/or entity who violates the terms of this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty in the maximum amount of three hundred dollars.
C. Any violation of the terms or provisions of this chapter shall be grounds for the city to refuse to issue another private event permit to the applicant or property owner for any application submitted within five years of the date of the violation. (Ord. 734 § 1, 2024)