PILLAR: Core - Organizational Support
AGENDA DATE: August 25, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Mayor and City Council Office
PRIORITY: N/A
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapter 42A, “Special Events; Neighborhood Markets; Dallas Farmers Market; Streetlight Pole Banners,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Section 42A-2; (1) providing a revised definition of special event; (3) providing a penalty not to exceed $500.00; (4) providing a saving clause; (5) providing a severability clause; and (6) providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City (via Councilmembers Willis, Ridley, West, Blackmon, and Stewart)
Body
BACKGROUND
The proposed code amendment seeks to expand the definition of "special event” to include “a temporary outdoor display or exhibition with a special condition that requires an emergency traffic regulation in accordance with Section 28-10.” This will fulfill the request of the Dallas Police Department for assistance with excessive traffic and crowd control and shift the cost burden for DPD officers required to manage traffic and crowd control away from the Dallas taxpayer.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On May 18, 2026, the Quality of Life, Arts, and Culture (Committee) received a briefing on potential revisions to Chapter 42A of the Dallas City Code and recommended that City Council consider amending the definition of “special event” in Section 42A-2 to include “a temporary outdoor display or exhibition with a special condition that requires an emergency traffic regulation in accordance with Section 28-10.”
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.