Assemblies or organized events which are anticipated to or are
likely to attract a large number of people can adversely affect the
well-being of Town residents. Large assemblies on public and private
properties can disturb nearby residents in the peaceful enjoyment
of their homes and property, interfere with the general public's normal
use of highways and other municipal facilities, and be harmful to
the public safety and welfare. Large assemblages of people result
in the need for some control over traffic and parking and can cause
a strain on police services, particularly during the summer season.
In an effort to provide for the well-being of the community, the Town
Board establishes herein a procedure whereby the Town can be informed
in advance of assemblies and can assure that such assemblies, if appropriate
under the Town Code and the Constitution of the State of New York,
can be accommodated without unduly burdening the community or the
resources of the Town of East Hampton or unreasonably impacting upon
or restricting the use of Town resources by other Town residents.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ASSEMBLY
A social occasion, an event, or an activity which involves
the assembly of persons on public or private property in any zoning
district, and which takes place in whole or in part outdoors, with
or without an admission or invitation fee, a sponsorship, or a requested
donation, and held on a one-time basis, including, but not limited
to, weddings, family reunions, parties, fairs, bazaars, outdoor shows,
horse shows or exhibitions, and concerts, and if held on a commercial
property as the same is defined herein, is not included within the
approved uses of the property upon which the assembly is to take place,
as evidenced by the site plan approval issued by the Town Planning
Board, the certificate of occupancy for the premises as issued by
the Town Building Department, or as determined by the Town Building
Inspector based upon the historic use of the subject premises as supported
by credible evidence.
CATERER
Any person or business engaged in serving food or beverages
for private functions, in a professional capacity in the Town of East
Hampton.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
CATERED EVENT
Any special event where a person or entity is contracted
to provide food and drink, including professional service, at a special
event on public property. Professional service shall include, but
not be limited to: delivery, setup, preparation, food service or cleanup,
of any food or beverage, or associated equipment and accessories.
This shall not apply to any persons or parties bringing food and drink
to a special event on public property provided no professional services
have been contracted.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION
An organization as defined in New York State Executive Law
§ 171-a, including but not limited to not-for-profit entities.
Such charitable organizations shall be recognized as exempt from federal
taxation under Internal Revenue Code § 501(c)(3), shall
be duly registered with the Charities Bureau of the Attorney General
of the State of New York, and shall provide services or funds that
benefit residents of the Town of East Hampton. For purposes of this
chapter, this category shall also be deemed to include established
civic organizations which are formed for and do provide a public benefit
and are not formed for and do not have as a primary purpose the accumulation
of profits for their owners or members. Organizations such as Chambers
of Commerce, veterans' organizations, fraternal organizations, and
similar organizations which are actually located within the Town of
East Hampton and provide benefits to members of the community qualify
for this classification.
CIRCUS
A public entertainment consisting typically of a variety
of performances by acrobats, clowns, and trained animals.
COMMERCIAL PREMISES
Property containing a legally nonconforming business use
and any vacant or improved parcel in a commercial use district other
than one upon which the principal use is one or more single-family
residences.
DESIGNATED AGENT
A person, residing within the County of Suffolk, who is designated
by an applicant for an assembly to accept service of process from
the Town of East Hampton for any violation of this chapter or any
other chapter set forth in the East Hampton Town Code which relates
to or arises out of the assembly.
EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY
An assembly or similar gathering held for the sole purpose
of exercising free speech activity protected by either the First Amendment
to the United States Constitution or Article I, § 8, of
the New York State Constitution and for which no fee or donation is
charged or required as a condition of participation in or attendance
at such assembly.
FARMER'S MARKET
The retail sale of agricultural products directly to the
public by individual vendors.
PARADE/WALK-RUN
A type of assembly which involves a walk, run, march or similar
assembly (including, but not limited to, a marathon or bicycle race)
regardless of whether any fee or donation is charged or required as
a condition of participation in or attendance at such assembly, where
the activity occurs on any Town highway, public street, right-of-way,
sidewalk or in any other public place rather than on a specific property,
and which can or is likely to disrupt or interfere with normal traffic
patterns, regulations or controls, as determined by Chief of Police.
PUBLIC AMENITY
The provision of an activity, entertainment, or similar pastime
which is provided upon public property without cost or charge to the
attendees and without the sale or solicitation of orders for the sale
of goods or services, intended to enhance the attendees' experience
upon the premises. Examples of a public amenity consist of, but are
not limited to, musical performances, movies, and similar entertainment
upon public property.
PUBLIC PROPERTY
Property of the Town, Town Trustees, or other governmental
agency.
SOCIAL EVENT
An assembly for social, noncommercial purposes at which no
goods, merchandise or services are offered or sold, or orders for
the same solicited or taken.
SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT
A permit for a special event as defined in this chapter.
Special event permits shall be of six categories:
[Amended 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
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RESIDENTIAL SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — A permit for an assembly
of 50 persons or more upon a property which is zoned for or actually
used as a residence.
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COMMERCIAL SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — A permit for any assembly
upon a property which is either zoned for commercial use, or is zoned
residential, multifamily, resort or other noncommercial use but actually
used for a commercial business as a legally preexisting, nonconforming
business, or for an assembly upon property zoned for and used for
commercial purposes and which assembly is not consistent with the
approved use(s) for the commercial property, in that it includes one
or more of the following:
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A.
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The sale of goods or merchandise, by fixed price or auction,
upon a property not approved for retail sales or, if approved for
the same, from a location on the property not approved for such use;
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B.
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The sale of food or beverages upon a property not approved for
the sale of food or beverages or, if approved for the same, from a
location on the property not approved for such use;
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C.
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The use of outdoor areas of the premises for business purposes,
and such use is not included in the customary and/or approved use
for the premises;
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D.
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A performance, speech, recital or other presentation by an entertainer
or other artist, with or without the use of musical instruments or
recorded music, for which a fee is charged, if such property is not
approved for such use;
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E.
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The erection of a tent upon the premises;
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F.
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The parking of attendees' vehicles upon any public street, highway,
right-of-way or other off-site location due to lack of availability
of parking upon the premises hosting the assembly;
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G.
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A farmer's market, provided that the commercial premises are
not otherwise utilized by the businesses legally occupying the site
at the time the market is operational.
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PUBLIC PROPERTY SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — A permit for an
organized assembly of persons upon a property which is a public park,
beach, or other property which is open to the public.
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PARADE/WALK-RUN SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — An assembly permit
for a parade/walk-run as defined herein.
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ART SALE SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — A permit for the commercial sale of artwork by the artist, upon the residential property of the artist. The holding of art sales on more than three occasions in a calendar year or for more than three successive days shall be deemed a business use subject to the provisions of Chapter 255, Zoning, of the Town Code of the Town of East Hampton.
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SEASONAL SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT — A permit for reoccurring
commercial recreational activity on public property, including but
not limited to: surf instruction; paddleboard instruction; yoga classes;
and the installation of hotel equipment, such as chairs and umbrellas,
on a Town beach.
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SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE
A committee designated by the Town Board to decide applications
submitted under this chapter, the membership of which shall consist
of: two Town Board Members; one Town Trustee; the Town Clerk; the
Chief of the Town Police Department; the Chief Fire Marshal; and the
Superintendent of Recreation.
[Added 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
SUMMER CAMP
An entity or organization which provides and organizes recreational
activities for school-aged children during the summer months when
school is not in session. Such camps must be primarily located at
another physical site with use of Town's property (beaches, parks),
a secondary site for some, but not all of the camp's offered activities.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
TOWN RESIDENT
Individuals and commercial entities applying for special
event permits can establish Town residency as follows:
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
A.
Individuals can establish Town residency with either of the
following:
(1)
A validated tax receipt in the name of the applicant for the
current year of any taxable property within the Township of East Hampton,
Village of East Hampton or that portion of the Incorporated Village
of Sag Harbor located within the boundaries of the Town of East Hampton;
(2)
A valid New York State vehicle registration or a New York State
Driver's License in the name of the applicant, setting forth an address
located within the Township of East Hampton, Village of East Hampton
or that portion of the Incorporated Village of Sag Harbor located
within the boundaries of the Town of East Hampton.
B.
Commercial entities can establish Town residency with either
of the following:
(1)
Legal proof that the entity's physical place of business is
located within the Township of East Hampton, Village of East Hampton
or that portion of the Incorporated Village of Sag Harbor located
within the boundaries of the Town of East Hampton;
(2)
Establishing Town residency by an individual with legal proof
of ownership of more than 25% of the commercial entity.
[Amended 3-1-2018 by L.L.
No. 2-2018]
A. No owner, lessee or any other person claiming a right or interest in residential property located within the Town of East Hampton and outside of the boundaries of any incorporated village shall cause, permit or allow such property to be used for an assembly as defined herein unless a written special event permit for the assembly has been issued by the appropriate Town official(s). Residential assemblies are subject to the provisions of §
255-11-64I which deems hosting or granting of permission to host for a fee (whether termed rental or otherwise) of more than one social event or reception per calendar year at any single-family residence located within the boundaries of the Town of East Hampton a nonresidential activity or use.
B. No owner, lessee or any other person claiming a right or interest
in commercial property located within the Town of East Hampton and
outside of the boundaries of any incorporated village shall cause,
permit or allow such property to be used for an assembly as defined
herein unless a written special event permit for the assembly has
been issued by the appropriate Town official(s). Commercial assemblies
upon portions of commercial properties which have been maintained
as spaces open and available to the public as areas for casual gathering,
walking and/or relaxation, such as green spaces in retail areas, may
apply to utilize such areas, subject to the following limitations:
(1) No assemblies shall include the sale of goods or sale of food on
site unless the same are sold by a valid charitable organization.
(2) A special event permit for a public amenity shall exclude areas upon
such properties which have been identified in any approval issued
by the Town, or other agency, or deemed by the Building Inspector
to be utilized in the ordinary course of the business(es) on the site
for some use related to the approved business(es), including, but
not limited to, areas used for parking or for fire access.
C. No person, group, entity or organization shall organize or conduct
a public property special event, as defined herein, upon any public
property within the Town of East Hampton, outside of the boundaries
of any incorporated village, unless a written special event permit
for the assembly has been issued by the appropriate Town official(s).
Public property assemblies, in addition to the limitations enumerated
below, are subject to the Town's right to limit the number of public
property special event permits issued per applicant and per location
in a calendar year, as well as limit the hours and days of the week
for which activities will be approved.
(1) Beaches:
(a)
Unless utilized as part of an event held by valid charitable
organizations as defined herein, the installation of tents, other
than those necessary for food service under Suffolk County Department
of Health Services regulations, shall not be permitted. In addition,
the installation of any other structures (i.e., tents, dance floors,
platforms, fences, etc.) shall not be permitted on any beach, unless
the same is approved by either the Town Board or the Town Trustees,
depending upon the proposed location. In general, the Town does not
approve the installation of structures upon any beach, except for
required covering over food service equipment.
(b)
Assemblies that include amplified music shall not be permitted
on any beach. This shall not prohibit individual radios or similar
devices, but the use of such devices shall be subject to the directions
of any enforcement officer, lifesaving personnel, marine patrol officer,
or other designated agent of the Town and/or Trustees.
(c)
Assemblies that include the sale of goods or sale of food on
site on the beach shall not be permitted unless the same are sold
by valid charitable organizations. This prohibition shall not be deemed
to prohibit attendees at any otherwise permitted assembly from being
supplied with food and beverages by a paid caterer.
(d)
Assemblies that the Town Board or its designee deems to unreasonably
impede the use of the premises by the general public shall not be
permitted.
(e) Beach “property” includes all public parking lots and
comfort stations.
[Added 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
(f) In no event shall any person or entity solicit or advertise any product,
service, lesson, program, or any other item or offering upon any Town
beach. Any assembly upon Town beaches in which participants have paid
a fee shall originate off-site.
[Added 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
(2) Parks and other municipal properties.
(a)
Assemblies that include the sale of goods or sale of food on
site shall not be permitted unless the same are sold by valid charitable
organizations. This prohibition shall not be deemed to prohibit attendees
at any otherwise permitted assembly from being supplied with food
and beverages by a paid caterer.
(b)
No structures shall be permitted unless expressly approved by
the Town Board or the Special Events Committee.
[Amended 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
(c)
No assemblies that the Town Board or the Special Events Committee
deems to unreasonably impede the use of the premises by the general
public shall be permitted.
[Amended 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
(d)
In no event shall any person or entity solicit or advertise
any product, service, lesson, program or any other item or offering
upon any public property. Any assembly upon public property in which
participants have paid a fee must originate from a sale or enrollment
off of public property.
(e) Any special event held on a Community Preservation Fund ("CPF") property
shall require a Town Board resolution.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
D. No person, group, entity or organization shall organize or conduct
a parade/walk-run, as defined herein, upon any public street, sidewalk,
walkway, right-of-way or public property within the Town of East Hampton,
outside of the boundaries of any incorporated village, unless a written
special event permit for the assembly has been issued by the appropriate
Town official(s).
E. No person, group, entity or organization shall organize or conduct
an art sale, as defined herein, upon any property within the Town
of East Hampton, outside of the boundaries of any incorporated village,
unless a written special event permit for the assembly has been issued
by the appropriate Town official(s). Art sale special event permits
are limited to not more than three occasions in a calendar year or
not more than three successive days.
The following shall be exempt from the requirements of a special
event permit:
A. Events sponsored by the Town.
B. Regular sporting events held at facilities which are approved for
such purposes.
C. A student assemblage at any school chartered by New York State.
D. An assemblage for purposes of expressive activity, provided that
the organizers provide the Town Clerk with written notice at least
48 hours in advance if more than 25 persons are expected to attend.
The name, address and contact information of the organizer, the proposed
location or route, and the date and time of the event shall be provided.
E. A yard sale, as defined in Chapter
198 — the sale of one's used household goods or other used private personal property commonly found in a residence from one's own personal residence — and held upon the property of the person conducting the sale. The holding of yard sales on more than three occasions in a calendar year or for more than three successive days shall be deemed a business use subject to the provisions of Chapter
255, Zoning, of the Town Code of the Town of East Hampton.
F. Events held wholly within the building located at Fort Pond House,
provided that the participants have a facility use permit issued by
the East Hampton Town Parks Department.
G. Events held upon Town property other than Town beaches, involving
up to 50 people, provided that the participants have a field use or
facility use permit issued by the East Hampton Town Parks and Recreation
Department.
H. Noncommercial social events as defined above, on public property
involving up to 20 people over the age of 18 years, provided that
there is no tent and the event is neither catered nor for which other
services have been contracted.
[Amended 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
Any fee collected under this chapter shall be paid either in
cash or by check made payable to the Town of East Hampton and shall
be delivered to the Town Clerk. Each fee or deposit shall be paid
by separate check.
Other than the required fees, the Town shall not accept any
donations from the applicant in connection with the granting of the
permit. In addition, no Town official or employee shall make a recommendation
to the applicant regarding a donation to a third party.
The Town Board, upon consent of a majority of its members, after
due consultation, may authorize a waiver of the requirements and/or
limitations of this chapter whenever it determines that strict compliance
with such limitations or requirements will pose an unreasonable burden
upon the applicant and that such permit may be issued without endangering
the public's health, safety or welfare. In such instances, the Town
Board may attach additional conditions and safeguards to ensure the
orderly conduct of the activity and to minimize the impact of such
use.
During the course of the special event, any authorized Town
Code enforcement official, peace officer or a police officer may suspend
any permit where public health or safety risks are found or where
exigent circumstances warrant such action.
The Town Clerk shall give notice to the Chief of Police, the
Chief Building Inspector, the head of the Ordinance Enforcement Department
and the Chief Fire Marshal, the Superintendent of Highways and the
Superintendent of Parks and Recreation of each permit issued pursuant
to this chapter.
Issuance of a permit pursuant to this chapter does not relieve
the permit holder of its duty to comply with all other Town local
laws, ordinances and regulations during the duration of the special
event. In addition to the permit required under this chapter, the
applicant shall obtain all other governmental permits or approvals
which are required for the assembly. Unless specific exemption is
obtained from the appropriate governmental authority, the assembly
shall be held in conformance with all Town, county, state and federal
laws. In the event any food service is provided, the applicant shall
be responsible to assure that the vendor is properly licensed by the
Suffolk County Department of Health Services and that any and all
approvals, if required, are obtained by the vendor for the assembly.
By way of example and not by way of limitation, the following Town
or Town Trustee permits shall be obtained where required:
A. Permit from Fire Marshal. A permit shall be obtained from the Town Fire Marshal for the erection of a tent, display of fireworks or the setting of an outdoor fire pursuant to Chapter
141 of this Code.
B. Building permit. A building permit shall be obtained from the Building Inspector for the erection of any building or other structure if such permit is required by Chapter
102 or Chapter
255 of this Code.
C. Trustee permit. A permit shall be obtained from the Trustees of the
Freeholders and Commonalty of the Town of East Hampton for any assembly
upon Trustee property which will include a structure (i.e., tent,
dance floor, platform, etc.). Applicants for assemblies upon Trustee
property which do not propose the installation of a structure shall
obtain a letter from the Trustees acknowledging the event is taking
place on lands within their jurisdiction and that no Trustee permit
is required for the gathering, or otherwise confirming that the assembly
is not proposed on Trustee property and no approval is needed. Issuance
of a Trustee permit where required is in addition to any and all other
permits referenced in this section.
[Amended 4-7-2022 by L.L. No. 7-2022]
Every application for a commercial, public property, and parade/walk-run
special event permit pursuant to this chapter shall include a certificate
of insurance that evidences a public liability insurance policy covering
the Town as an additional insured in the minimum amount of the $2,000,000
per occurrence for the duration of the special event. The Town Board,
by resolution duly adopted from time to time, shall establish or amend
the amount of insurance required. The applicant shall also submit
an indemnification agreement that states that the applicant agrees
to assume all liability for and will indemnify and hold the Town harmless
of and free from any and all damages that occur to persons or property
by reason of said special event.
The permit holder shall be required to have the permit available
for inspection by the Town Police Department, or its designees, at
the site of the special event for the duration of the permit period.
The following assemblies are prohibited in the Town of East
Hampton, and no permit shall be issued which would authorize these
assemblies:
A. Circuses which include the use of any animals or animal acts.
B. Carnivals, festivals or similar events which include mechanical rides,
unless the event is sponsored by a local charitable organization,
as the same is defined herein, based within the boundaries of the
Town, in which case one merry-go-round or carousel ride will be permitted,
and such assembly shall be deemed a gathering subject to all the provisions
of this chapter.
C. Catered
events on Town beaches with more than 50 guests, unless the event
is sponsored by a local charitable organization as defined herein.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
D. Wedding
ceremonies on public property, including Town beaches, with more than
50 guests.
[Added 3-2-2023 by L.L. No. 3-2023]
(1) The fifty-guest limitation in Subsections
C and
D does not include staff.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall
be guilty of a violation and shall, upon conviction, be subject to
the imposition of a fine in accordance with the following schedule
for each violation. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed
a separate offense.
A. For the first offense, a fine of not less than $500 nor more than
$2,000 for each offense, plus any costs incurred by the Town as a
result of the violation(s).
B. For a second offense within a three-year period, a fine of not less
than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for each offense, plus any costs
incurred by the Town as a result of the violation(s).
C. For a third and subsequent offense within a three-year period, a
fine of not less than $2,500 nor more than $15,000 for each offense,
plus any costs incurred by the Town as a result of the violation(s).
D. Any person or entity found by the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication to have violated any of the provisions of Chapter
151 or to have failed to respond to a summons charging the same within 15 days of issuance, shall likewise be subject the following Fine and Penalty Schedule:
[Added 6-2-2022 by L.L. No. 17-2022; amended 6-1-2023 by L.L. No. 11-2023]
Schedule of Fines and Penalties
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Section
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Description
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Fine
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After 15 Days
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After 30 Days
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After 90 Days
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No permit
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$300
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$500
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$750
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$800
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Noncompliant permit
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$150
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$300
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$450
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$500
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