Ventura Municipal Code Art. 1 General Provisions

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the municipal affairs provision of the City Charter for the purpose of regulating public activities conducted in city facilities that are operated and/or maintained by the city’s parks, recreation, and community partnerships department. This chapter is intended to ensure that such activities are safe, do not unreasonably interfere with the intended purpose of city facilities, and do not damage public property beyond ordinary wear and tear. In addition, this chapter is intended to require any natural person or organization sponsoring or conducting an activity to compensate the general public for any costs incurred in connection with operating and maintaining the facilities reasonably attributable to that activity. (Ord. No. 2019-024, § 1, 12-9-19)

Unless the contrary is stated or clearly appears from the context, the following definitions will govern the construction of the words and phrases used in this chapter:

“Activity” means any use of a facility by a natural or artificial person including, without limitation, public assemblies and meetings. “Activity” does not mean any of the following:

1. Filming at a city facility where the person filming possesses a filming permit issued pursuant to this code; and

2. Special events that use a city facility where the person conducting or sponsoring the event possesses a special event permit issued pursuant to this code.

“Basic rate” means the rental fee established by city council resolution for using city facilities. The basic rate will be based on a fair share of that part of the overall cost of operating and maintaining city facilities reasonably attributable to a permittee’s use of city facilities. The “basic rate” does not include additional expenses such as staff, security, insurance, or other expenses related to conducting the activity in a facility.

“Community needs” means activities that provide recreational, educational, cultural arts, senior services, or social services to the city.

“Director” means the parks, recreation, and community partnerships director, or designee.

“Facility” means any city facility operated, scheduled, and/or maintained by the parks, recreation, and community partnerships department. “Facility” does not include the municipal golf courses.

“Free speech” means activity protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and/or Article 1, Section 2 of the California Constitution; provided, that such activity is a significant part of the event.

“In writing” means a telegram, email, facsimile, or any other written document.

“Permittee” means a person or entity to which the city issues a permit pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. No. 2019-024, § 1, 12-9-19)

The director will receive applications, issue and revoke permits, and otherwise implement this chapter according to the procedures herein. (Ord. No. 2019-024, § 1, 12-9-19)

Except as otherwise provided, it is unlawful for any person to sponsor or conduct an activity in a city facility unless authorized by a permit issued by the director as provided by this chapter. (Ord. No. 2019-024, § 1, 12-9-19)