Mooresville adopts new special‑event permit process and street‑closure rules, sets online application rollout for Jan. 6

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners voted to adopt an ordinance that replaces scattered code sections governing special events and temporary street closures with a consolidated permitting process and a new street‑closure policy.

Christine Patterson, arts and events manager, told commissioners the new process centralizes requirements and adds tools intended to improve event quality and reduce neighborhood impacts. "This new process will ensure that we can provide the proper infrastructure for these events to take place," Patterson said, noting that the updated code and an event planning guide will address siting, site plans, waste management, accessibility, traffic and crowd control, and a new fee schedule intended to recover town costs.

Highlights announced at the presentation and adopted in the ordinance include:
- Creation of a Special Events Committee composed of town staff across departments to review and issue permits and meet monthly to handle requests such as street closures.
- An online application and a public community calendar. Patterson said the online application will be active Jan. 6; block party and film permit modules will follow a few weeks later, and staff will offer public training in the last week of January.
- A new street‑closure policy that establishes criteria and early notification requirements, explicit detour planning, and steps to reduce disruption to traffic and businesses. The policy includes shortened durations for temporary no‑parking signs and a process to qualify events for downtown venues.

Commissioners praised the outreach and planning. Commissioner West said the changes "bring a whole new level of seamlessness to what we have to offer," and Commissioner Qualls asked that the community calendar be considered for display on the town home page; Patterson said staff would explore that option.

The motion to adopt the ordinance was made by Commissioner DeWeese and seconded by Commissioner Haven; the board approved the ordinance by voice vote.

Staff will deploy training for town staff and the public and will circulate the new fee schedule and planning guide when the application goes live on Jan. 6.