SANDPOINT — In the interest of protecting community peace and quiet, events held in public parks will follow some new classification procedures.

Responding to concerns about large-scale events disrupting surrounding neighborhoods, Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff spearheaded some changes to city code regulating events in public parks. The new code language will allow for special consideration based on event size with the goal of making public spaces an enjoyable location for everyone.

Previously, city code classified park activities under commercial and non-commercial categories. The new system folds both those classifications into a “special events” umbrella term but in turn creates a different set of classifications.

Category 1 events are expected to draw fewer than 150 people. Applications for such events must be submitted 60 days before the requested date, but on the plus side, they don’t require council approval. Woodruff said he would handle these smaller-scale activities on his own, and in the event of denial, the applicant would have a chance to appeal.

On the other hand, Category 2 events are those projected to draw more than 150 people, thereby bearing the potential to be more disruptive. These events will still require council approval before they are allowed to proceed.

The new system also relaxes restrictions regarding the amount of events available to a given sponsor in a year. Event planners are limited to a single application per year for activities lasting more than an hour and a half. However, no such limitations are in place for shorter events.

According to Woodruff, the changes to the code should allow for less wear and tear on park facilities and more consideration for residents simply looking to enjoy the park without taking part in a large-scale event.

He also mentioned that the new code language shouldn’t clamp down too severely on larger events. That’s particularly true for those sponsored by Sandpoint Parks and Recreation, which are organized directly by the city to be considerate of residents and random park-goers.