The right to engage in expressive activities is protected by the federal and state constitutions. However, local governments may put reasonable restrictions on these activities to protect public health and safety and ensure effective management of city facilities. The new permit process would cover activities meant to convey an opinion, views or ideas, such as a protest or distributing literature.

 

Currently, expressive activities on city property are covered under the city’s special events ordinance and groups of 50 or more people must have a special events permit. The new approach creates a stand-alone ordinance just for expressive activities and would require groups of 75 or more people to obtain a city expressive activity event permit. A permit would be required for expressive activities using city property, such as the use of public parks and public beaches, and streets and sidewalks if the participants do not follow traffic laws. 

 

Below is a summary of the main parts of the proposed permit process.  Read the proposed permit process in full.

 

Groups needing a permit would have to submit an application at least two days before the planned activity. Applicants would not be required to notify those living and working in the surrounding area.

 

Applicants would need to purchase insurance coverage for the event. Insurance could be available through the city’s insurance provider. The applicant would pay the insurance premium. The amount would be determined by the insurance provider based on its assessment of the risk associated by size and nature of the expressive activity.