FARMINGTON — Davis County officials say their fears essentially have been put to rest concerning a proposed ordinance that would require sanitary facilities for large-group events.
The ordinance, proposed in December by the Davis County Department of Health, sparked some concern among city leaders, who said it could cause problems for local parades, festivals and celebrations.
The Davis County Council of Governments discussed the proposed regulation at a meeting Wednesday night in which Fruit Heights Mayor Rich Harvey, former environmental health director for the county, told fellow mayors there was no need to be concerned about the ordinance.
"It's basically state law. . . . The Health Department has shown in the past a record of not being overly involved," he said. "This was being designed for the Olympics."
The ordinance, which has not yet been approved by the Davis County Board of Health, would require permits for gatherings of 500 or more people that are expected to last more than two hours. The ordinance would apply only for events at sites not otherwise designated for that use or occupancy.
That means the Davis County Rodeo at the Legacy Center in Farmington during the 2002 Olympics would not need a permit because it is at a fixed facility, Harvey said, unlike the Boy Scout Jamboree at Antelope Island. The idea for the ordinance was sparked in part by complaints about various city events not having enough restrooms.
"(The concern) is where there are not facilities available," Harvey said.
Farmington Mayor Greg Bell, who recently sent out letters to each city voicing concern that the restrictions would impact Farmington Festival Days, local parades and Bountiful's Summerfest celebration, said his fears had been allayed.
"I think we're OK," he said.
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