Politics & Government
Lafayette City Council To Vote On Suspending Special Events On Popular City Lots Tonight
Staff Report: Managing requests fairly means having a policy for Lafayette Plaza and city lots until a downtown event policy is in place.
LAMORINDA, CA — Lafayette Plaza has turned into a bit of a magnet for public events.
Officials are trying to catch up to the demand in the plaza as well as nearby open spaces — aka city-owned parking lots — by closing down future events until guidelines for special events there are ready.
City Council will vote tonight on limiting events until the guidelines are in place.
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In recent months, according to the city manager's office, the number and complexity of requests to reserve Lafayette Plaza for special events have increased, underscoring the need for clear guidelines for managing requests for the space.
To manage requests fairly, staff will be developing a policy for downtown spaces. Until then, staff recommends limiting the use of downtown public spaces to city-sponsored events and events already approved for 2025.
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Downtown public spaces include Lafayette Plaza and city-owned parking lots, including East End parking lot, Gazebo Park parking lot, Oak Bridge parking lot, and Oak Hill parking lot, as well as locations acquired by the city in the future.
Staff is also developing a permit application and terms of agreement to accompany the policy.
City parks would not be included in the policy.
The temporary measure being considered tonight is intended to "ensure requests are treated equitably" and to avoid setting precedents before the policy is adopted, according to a report to councilmembers.
Restricting use in the meantime is also intended to minimize liability for the city and operational impacts by keeping control over event management, security, and insurance coverage requirements, according to the report.
Limiting special events in downtown public spaces to only city-sponsored events for a temporary period means forgoing revenue from permit fees.
Staff will return to the council with a downtown public spaces special event policy in the coming months.
The Lafayette City Council meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
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