Moratorium on Event Applications Utilizing City Property

The following is the events moratorium unanimously passed by council on Feb. 10, 2026.

MORATORIUM NO. 26-001

MORATORIUM ON EVENT APPLICATIONS UTILIZING CITY PROPERTY

1. PURPOSE AND INTENT

WHEREAS, the City of Cave Spring owns and maintains certain public properties, streets, parks, and facilities for the benefit and use of the public; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has the authority and responsibility to manage and regulate the use of city-owned property in a manner that protects public safety, city resources, and the general welfare; and

WHEREAS, the City is currently in the process of developing a comprehensive ordinance to regulate special events and public gatherings, including standards for permitting, public safety, insurance, cleanup, and enforcement; and

WHEREAS, until such ordinance is adopted, the City lacks uniform, codified standards to ensure that requests for use of city property for special events are evaluated and administered in a consistent, lawful, and public-safety–oriented manner; and

WHEREAS, the City Council finds that temporarily suspending approval of such requests is necessary to avoid inconsistent decision-making, to protect public safety and city property, and to allow adequate time for adoption of appropriate regulations;

WHEREAS, the City Council of Cave Spring, Georgia ("City Council") has determined that it is necessary to establish uniform guidelines for the approval or denial of events utilizing City property; and

WHEREAS, the City Council requires time to develop and implement such guidelines through a properly considered and drafted ordinance; and

WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to temporarily suspend the acceptance of new applications for events utilizing City property while such guidelines are being developed;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of Cave Spring, Georgia, as follows:

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Moratorium :

"City Property" shall mean and include all streets, sidewalks, buildings, parks, and other real property owned, controlled, or maintained by the City of Cave Spring. 

"Event" shall mean any organized gathering, celebration, festival, parade, demonstration, or similar activity that requires the exclusive use of City Property and approval of city council.

"Pending Application" shall mean any application for an Event that has been formally submitted to the City prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.

3. MORATORIUM

A moratorium is hereby imposed on the acceptance, processing, and approval of applications for Events utilizing City Property for a period of ninety (90) calendar days from the effective date of this Ordinance. During the moratorium period, the City shall not accept or process any new applications for Events utilizing City Property. The City Council may, by majority vote at a duly noticed meeting, extend this moratorium for an additional period not to exceed thirty (30) days if necessary to complete the development of uniform guidelines.

4. GRANDFATHER CLAUSE

This moratorium shall not affect any Pending Applications that were submitted prior to the effective date of this moratorium. All Pending Applications may be considered and acted upon by the City Council during the moratorium period. Approval or denial of Pending Applications shall be determined by a majority vote of the City Council in accordance with Georgia law. Nothing herein shall require approval of any Pending Application nor limit the City’s authority to protect City property and ensure public safety.

5. DEVELOPMENT OF UNIFORM GUIDELINES

During the moratorium period, the City Council shall develop uniform guidelines for the approval or denial of Events utilizing City Property. Such guidelines shall be adopted by ordinance following appropriate public notice and hearing as required by Georgia law. The guidelines shall establish clear criteria, procedures, and standards for the review and determination of applications for Events utilizing City Property.

6. SEVERABILITY

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Moratorium is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof.

7. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Moratorium shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council.

ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 20___.

CITY OF CAVE SPRING, GEORGIA

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Chair, City of Cave Spring City Council

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City Clerk, City of Cave Spring