Adopting proposed Ordinance amendments repealing Chapter 5-9 of the Rochester Code of Ordinances relating to Circuses and Similar Shows.

The purpose of this Ordinance amendment is to repeal Chapter 5-9 relating to Circuses and Similar Shows. The regulatory framework previously contained within this chapter has been incorporated into Chapter 8-11 relating to Special Events, making Chapter 5-9 unnecessary.

As the City's Special Events Ordinance has evolved, it has become the primary mechanism for reviewing and regulating temporary public events. Maintaining a separate chapter governing circuses and similar exhibitions creates unnecessary duplication and increases the potential for conflicting requirements, differing fee structures, or uncertainty regarding which ordinance applies to an event.

Additionally, several activities specifically referenced within Chapter 5-9, such as dog and pony shows, are no longer representative of the types of events regularly occurring within Rochester. Retaining an outdated and largely unused chapter provides little regulatory value while adding unnecessary complexity to the City's Code of Ordinances.

Repealing Chapter 5-9 consolidates these regulations within a single, modern Special Events framework, improving clarity for applicants, staff, and the public while ensuring the City's ordinances remain organized, consistent, and easier to administer.

Repealing Chapter 5-9 eliminates an outdated and duplicative ordinance while consolidating event regulation under the City's existing Special Events framework.

Maintaining a single regulatory chapter improves consistency in permitting, administration, and enforcement, reduces the potential for conflicting ordinance requirements or fee schedules, and provides applicants, staff, and the public with a clearer and more predictable regulatory process.

October 20, 2025: Council approval of amendments to Chapter 8-11 relating to Special Events.

There is no direct fiscal or resource impact associated with repealing Chapter 5-9.

No alternative actions are suggested at this time.