New Hanover County is cracking down on events at public parks.
Park authorities and county officials no longer want to foot the bill for events that turn a profit. And they also want to better regulate the size, noise level and marketing for all park events sponsored by private organizations.
Approved on Monday, March 15, the county now has stronger, more stringent regulations governing park use.
"We don't want to discourage park events," said county parks director Jim McDaniel. "We just want to make sure they fit correctly not only within our parks but within our neighborhoods."
McDaniel said he hopes the new regulations will allow large events and neighborhoods to more peacefully coexist.
"We hope that this will serve not only the needs of the county but all the citizens and provide a better experience," he said.
Under the new regulations, attendance capacity is set at a maximum 3,500 individuals. Beer and wine is allowed but not in glass containers. And the sale of alcohol must be confined to predisposed areas.
Music is now prohibited past 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. every other day of the week. Advertising banners can't go up more than two weeks before the event and must be removed within two days of the event. And sponsors have to contract with a private hauler for trash and cover all the costs associated with pickup.
Moreover, sponsors will have to contract with a minimum two off-duty law enforcement officers from New Hanover County to oversee the event.
Pets are also strictly prohibited.
If violated, the county maintains the right to cancel the event and refuse service to that sponsor in the future.
