Ordinance Changes Will Allow More Events at Fair

Warrenton aldermen Tuesday unanimously approved amendments to the city code to allow special events such as motorcycle rallies or concerts to be held at the Warren County Fairgrounds.

No one commented in favor or against the proposed change during a public hearing.

The approved changes were made to the Outdoor Public Recreation section of the city codes by adding provisions for special event permits.

The ordinance was developed through a “cooperative effort” between city officials and the Warren County Fair Board, said Chris Graville, Warrenton city attorney.

He noted that the new special event permit will ease restrictions on the use of the fairgrounds while still allowing the city to control what types of events are held.

The potential effect a given event would have on residents living in areas surrounding the fairgrounds also will be considered, Graville stated.

Furthermore, ensuring public safety during events held under a special event permit will be the responsibility of the organizers, he said.

Graville said the fairgrounds is “unique in its location to the area and the Warren County community.”

The new ordinance will streamline the process by requiring only one public hearing to be held before the Warrenton Planning and Zoning Commission.

One public hearing is the minimum required by the code, Graville noted.

Requests for special event permits will have to be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event, according to the ordinance.

The planning and zoning board will gather information on requests for special events and then forward the request to the board of aldermen with a recommendation to approve or deny a given application.

Specific conditions on permits also would be recommended by the planning and zoning commission.