First Amendment, Free Speech Activities in Sugar House Park

PARKS ARE PUBLIC FORUMS

Parks are traditional public forums for First Amendment activities, protected under both state and federal constitutions. Protected First Amendment Activities include the following, so long as those activities are done in such a way that follows the law.

• leafleting

• picketing

• demonstrating

• protesting

• marching

• making speeches

• circulating petitions

• other similar activities

Parks are traditional public forums for First Amendment activities.

APPLICABLE SALT LAKE CITY CODES

• SLC 57-2-3(A): Sugar House Park, as a public park under the jurisdiction of both Salt Lake City and Salt Lake County, follows the same rules as both jurisdictions, including those governing free speech activities. Such free speech activities can take place within the park, except in reserved areas, buildings, and parking areas.

• SLC 57-2-5: By allowing First Amendment activities within the park, the City, County, and Sugar House Park Authority does not adopt or endorse any of the messages conveyed.

RELEVANT RULES

• Limitations on the size and height of signs (SLC 57-2-6(C)

• Signs or flyers can not be posted (SLC 15.08.040)

• No littering. Removal of all materials (SLC 15.08.130 and SLC 57-2-6(D))

• Observance of Salt Lake County sound and noise ordinances

• A Salt Lake County mass gathering permit may be required

• No selling of goods or services of any kind within park boundaries (SLC 15.08.170)

• Prior notification of tables or structures consistent with the ordinance (SLC 57-2-6(E,1-6))

Contact the Sugar House Park Authority

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY

Free speech activities do not apply to commercial activity. Commercial events must comply with City, County, and Park rules and require a Special Event application.