§ 21-9-103. CARNIVALS AND CIRCUSES.

(a)

Permit authorized. The Department shall issue a permit for a traveling carnival, circus, or exhibition to be held or staged in the county as provided in this section.

(b)

Requirements. The Department may issue a permit to a volunteer fire company, bona fide fraternal, civic, war veterans, religious, or charitable organization, or any entity meeting the specifications of § 13-603(b) of the Criminal Law Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland to sponsor circuses, carnivals, lawn fetes, and other types of outdoor entertainment if the organization:

(1)

Complies with county law and regulations, including the county building code and the animal control law; and

(2)

Manages the carnivals, lawn fetes, circuses, and other forms of entertainment with its own members.

(c)

Amusement rides. An organization issued a permit under this section may lease Ferris wheels, merry-go-rounds, and other mechanical forms of rides.

(d)

7-day limitation. A circus may not be authorized at any one site for more than 7 consecutive days unless extended by the Director.

(1988 Code, §§ 24-304, 24-305) (Bill No. 170, § 2, 1-20-1990; Bill No. 53, § 1, 4-19-1991; Bill No. 72-00, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 73-03, § 42, 7-1-2004)