Fremont Street Pedestrian Mall Registration

Introduction

On Sept. 16, 2015, the city of Las Vegas adopted an amendment to LVMC 11.68 to address the areas where expressive activity could occur while maintaining public safety and well-being on the Fremont Street Pedestrian Mall. The purpose of the registration and lottery program is to manage the time and place where expressive activity can occur using designated performance locations during specified time frames. The specified time frames are between 3:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m..

The city of Las Vegas encourages all performers to participate in the program. The program serves street performers including musicians, mimes, magicians, dancers, singers, actors and other forms of expression. It does not include non-licensed merchandise vendors. Uses of the designated locations are subject to the city of Las Vegas Municipal Code. The city of Las Vegas assumes no responsibility for the content of the performances.

Definitions

Designated Location - means an area that has been set aside or designated in accordance with LVMC 11.68.108 for use by street performers during the specified time frames.

Expressive activity- means any demonstration, speech proselytizing, leafleting, distribution or message-bearing merchandise or other activity that is deemed to be expressive and thereby entitled to protection under the United States Constitution or the Nevada Constitution. A performance by a street performer that might be characterized as consisting of or containing expressive activity shall be subject to and governed by the provisions of LVMC 11.68 that pertain to street performers, notwithstanding any overlap regarding expressive activity.

Street Performer - means a person who, upon any surface designated as part of the Pedestrian Mall, engages in any form of performing art, including but not limited to posing, acting, dancing or miming, whether in costume or not; the playing of any musical instrument, singing or vocalizing, with or without accompaniment, where the performing art is not provided by or on behalf of The Fremont Street Limited Liability Company. The term "street performer" includes persons commonly referred to as "buskers" or those who engage in "busking" activity.

How the Program Works

Each Street Performer must register to be included in the lottery. A Street Performer may register on-line at any time or in person on the Fremont Street Pedestrian Mall during designated registration hours of 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A lottery will be run each day to assign registrants 38 designated locations for the following day. Not all designated locations may be utilized due to special events. Time slots are designated to start in 2 hour increments starting at 3:00 p.m. and ending at 1:00 a.m.. A new lottery with all participants will be run for each time segment. It is possible that a participant may end up with back to back time slots or no time slots at all.

To be included in the lottery a registrant must sign in between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. the day before and opt in for time slots.

Registration

• A performer is not entitled to more than one registration regardless of the number of characters or acts performed.
• The registration is valid for 180 days.
• Registration may be anonymous and requires a description of intended use, which shall include a complete listing of characters to be performed.
• A registrant can change their password or registration information at any time by signing into the system.

General Rules

• Street performers may not place objects on the ground unless the objects are within a 2 foot radius of the performer; do not obstruct or impede pedestrian traffic or cause a potential risk to passersby; and are integral to the performance (e.g. a hat or container to accept donations). LVMC 11.68.107(C)(4)
• Any person who uses a designated location as a Street Performer within the specified time frame must display the registration form at the perimeter of the designated location being used by the performer or otherwise in a conspicuous manner within or bounding the designated locations. LVMC 11.68.108(F)
• It is unlawful for a street performer to charge a fee for a performance within the Pedestrian Mall. LVMC 11.68.107(B)
• Per LVMC 11.68.107(C)(2)(a-h) at no such time may a street performer perform:
1. Within 20 feet of any building entrance or ATM;
2. Within 10 feet of any retail kiosk or cart;
3. Within 10 feet of the outer perimeter of any outdoor dining area while the area is being used for dining;
4. Within 20 feet of any fire lane or crosswalk;
5. Within any area of the Pedestrian Mall that is closed to the public;
6. During any sponsored concert, within 100 feet of the stage on which the concert is taking place;
7. Within 40 feet of any other street performer then performing; or
8. At any location that will obstruct or impeded pedestrian traffic.

Noise Level

Per LVMC 11.68.107(5) Street Performers may emit sound in connection with their performance, but subject to the following conditions:

1. The sound must be an integral part of the performance
2. The sound may not exceed the maximum noise levels set forth in the following table:

Maximum Noise Levels (in A-weighted decibels), measured by a sound level meter qualifying as Class 1 under IEC 61672-1	85 dBA* / 107 dBA**
*When measured at a minimum distance of 25 feet from the source of the noise
**When measured at a minimum distance of 1 foot from the source of the noise

3. The sound is not permitted during any actual performance or operation of the celestial vault light-show, or during any special event when the Pedestrian Mall is closed to the general public except upon payment of an admission charge; and
4. The sound is not permitted during any concert that is provided by or on behalf of The Fremont Street Liability Company unless each source of the amplified sounds is at least one hundred feet from the stage on which the concert takes place.

Scheduled Events

All designated locations may become unavailable during special events. Designated locations identified by "letters" are located near stages and will be especially affected during special events.

Effective Time and Area

The assigned designated locations are only in effect during the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily. Additionally, between 3:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m., Street Performers may still perform in the downtown areas that are not included in the designated area as outlined in LVMC 11.68. The designated area is Fremont Street between Main Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. A true and accurate map of the designated locations is on file with the City of Las Vegas Clerk’s Office.