Townsend staff said a proposed ordinance would shift special event permit approvals from a public vote by the Townsend Commission to an administrative review by city staff, a change officials say is intended to streamline the process without increasing the number of events.
Under the new framework, applications would be reviewed administratively by the city manager, police chief and fire chief. Event organizers who require police presence or traffic control would pay for those services at hourly rates set by the city. The proposed ordinance does not include a formal appeal process, although Stallions said a denied applicant could bring public input to a commission meeting.
Permit fees, service charges and approval standards would remain unchanged. Applicants would still be required to file paperwork at City Hall at least 90 days in advance and pay all applicable fees.
City staff said the ordinance, which passed a first reading in January, is intended to streamline both the application process and city government meetings. It is not intended to increase the number of special events.
This change is on the February 17 agenda for a second reading and potentially a vote.
Don Stallions, who serves as Townsend’s fire chief and city manager, said event volume has remained steady in recent years. Many local events are intended to benefit nonprofit organizations, while others are aimed at generating revenue. The proposed ordinance, he said, would help reduce delays for both.
“It’s just more efficient for everybody, the event holders, the commission and the public during commission meetings,” Stallions said. He added that the ordinance aligns with recent changes aimed at streamlining public meetings, including the introduction of a consent agenda.
Townsend, which relies heavily on sales tax revenue to fund its city budget, received 21 special event applications in 2025. Events range from large attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival, which draws thousands of visitors, to tractor pulls and car shows. Public input at commission meetings has long been divided between residents who want fewer special events and those who say the events drive local business spending.
There is currently no cap on the number of special event permits issued in Townsend. Most permitted events, Stallions said, are recurring and familiar to city staff.
Historically, the city approves nearly all applications.