City Response to Questions about Event Approval

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville has received several questions and concerns from Fayetteville residents about a social media post shared earlier this week by a representative of an annual motorcycle rally discussing the intent to hold this year’s rally as scheduled.

As of May 22, 2020, organizers of the rally had not applied to the City for the special event permits required to request use of city-owned properties and to close city streets.
Under Ordinance 5881, the Mayor can approve or deny a special event permit application that requests use of city-owned property and closure of city streets. When the Mayor decides to approve or deny this type of special event request, notification must be sent to City Council members. Council members then have seven days to appeal the Mayor’s decision, and they can pass a Resolution to reverse the Mayor’s decision.

This ordinance was passed and approved by the City Council on June 21, 2016, and it took effect on January 1, 2017.

Any event, including the annual motorcycle rally, requesting use of city-owned property and/or closure of city streets for more than eight consecutive hours must apply for the appropriate permits and receive approval from the Mayor with support from City Council.

Ordinance 5881 and other City of Fayetteville Code Ordinances can be viewed here: https://library.municode.com/ar/fayetteville/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=777014

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