Fargo looking into adding additional requirements, fees for event permitting

FARGO — City officials met Monday to discuss possible changes to permit applications for events in the city.

City leaders considered requiring additional information from event organizers when they file with the city.

Organizers would be required to include attendance estimates, fencing plans, whether food or alcohol will be present, and emergency plans for hazards – including making site plans for emergency access routes with first responders.

Along with the added information, the proposed plan would move the application approval process from the Engineering Department to Emergency Management.

Each application would also have a cost analysis done by each of the city’s departments for approval.

The city would also add deadlines for applications.

Organizers planning for January through April would need to apply by October first of the previous year.

Events for May through August by February 1, and events from September through December would have to apply by June 1.

Along with the added rules, applicants may have to pay an application fee, along with putting down a refundable deposit for cleanup costs.

The city says the new rules are to keep the events safer while mitigating the amount the city has to pay for each event, but it may not work for smaller events.

“It’s not going to be a one-size-fits-all. Our process isn’t going to work for, you know, like we have mentioned block parties. It’s not always going to be appropriate for block parties as it is for multi-day street fair events,” said City of Fargo Emergency Manager Brady Scribner.

The city will hear a finalized proposal in January before voting on the changes.