(A) The Board of Supervisors expressly finds that the gathering of large numbers of people for the purposes set forth below can create problems seriously affecting the public safety, health and welfare. The Board also finds that due to the size and nature of the unincorporated territory of the County of San Benito, there is a need for comprehensive regulations governing parade and public gathering activities on both county and private property in order to avoid potential problems or mitigate any adverse potential impacts of parades or public gatherings.
(B) It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors to adopt this chapter to mitigate potential problems without infringing upon the rights of speech and assembly as guaranteed under the state and federal constitutions. This chapter shall be interpreted in light of the constitutional provisions and applied consistent therewith. In no event shall the content of any proposed speech be considered as a basis for approval or denial of an application.
(C) However, notwithstanding the above, the Board of Supervisors determines that a large parade or public gathering creates a substantial threat to the public health, safety and welfare of San Benito County residents because of the small size of the staff of the County of San Benito, the limited revenues of the county, and the limited means to increase revenues. The regulations herein are deemed a compelling need to address the circumstances stated herein.
(1966 Code, § 14-10) (Ord. 688, § 1(part); Ord. 703, § 1(part))
Editor’s note:
Prior ordinance history: Ords. 596, 669, 670 and 683.