- Area for outdoor concert in Mona not zoned for that purpose
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By Myrna Trauntvein
Times-News Correspondent
A mass gathering permit is not issued by the Juab County Commission and their approval or disapproval of a mass gathering has little to do with whether a permit is issued or not.
Having said that, the fact that a mass gathering permit was requested in the county does not mean that the property in question could be used for a rave at any rate.
"Right now, that is not a permitted use for that zone," said Byron Woodland, commission chairman. "That area of the county is zoned for commercial and agricultural uses."
Jeremy Franklin and Jason Young, two event promoters, were scheduled to attend the Juab County Commission meeting on Monday but they did not show.
The men have been seeking a mass gathering permit which would allow them, if approved, to hold the music event, "Electric Valley 2015," on 93-acres of privately-owned, contracted land belonging to Dana Young, a family member of Jason Young, located west of Mona near the Current Creek Power Plant and a mink farm.
"A mass gathering permit is issued by the public health department," said Woodland. "We don't vote on it."
He said that many county residents attributed more authority to the county commission than they actually had.
Whether they approved a mass gathering permit or not would really have little to do with whether or not a rave could be held in the county.
"Traditionally, the public health department, the county fire marshall and the county sheriff have signed off on a mass gathering permit," he said.
He said that there were many legal requirements that had to be met before the county health department could approve a mass gathering permit. Those were all requirements that were set by the state health department.
If an applicant meets all of the requirements, they cannot be denied.
The county fire marshall would also need to make certain that the requirements for fire safety were met.
The county sheriff would need to make certain the safety of the public could be assured before he could agree to approve the mass gathering permit.
"We were just being asked for a blessing," said Clint Painter, commissioner.
Changes could be made in mass gathering permit approval process.
"That is the way it is right now," said Woodland.
He said that commissioners had been discussing making a change in the way the county handles a mass gathering permit.
"I think it is a good idea to make a change," said Painter.
For example, in Utah County, organizers must obtain the mass-gathering permit mandated by the Utah County Health Department but they must also obtain another required mass-gathering permit from the Utah County Commission.
In addition to the health permit ensuring portable toilets, food and other health concerns are legally met, Utah County Code mandates a security-related permit for any "anticipated assembly of 250 or more people which continues or can reasonably be expected to continue for 12 or more consecutive hours."
As for the zoning requirement being met, said Woodland, anyone wanting to do something a property is not zoned for would need to meet with the county planning commission and seek a change.
"They would have to approach the planning commission and go through that process," he said. "It is quite a lengthily process." |
