There are a number of different special event related permits that may need to be issued for a single event. Event Permit Experts can seamlessly guide you through the process whether you want to have your brand ambassadors hand out some cupcakes on a certain street corner in Tulsa or hold a tennis match in the middle of Times Square. We will let you know the exact event permits you need. The following is a summary of the most common types of event permits you may be required to obtain if you are planning a special event or an activity associated with a special event:
Some Different Types of Event Permits:Electrical Permit
If your event includes provisions to supply electrical power via electric generators, or by connecting to existing permanent electrical systems, you may be required to obtain an electrical permit from the city. Film Office Permits All commercial filming usually requires a permit. Commercial filming is defined as digital or film recording of a visual image or sound recording by a person, business or other entity for a market audience, such as for a documentary, television or feature film, advertisement, or similar project. Temporary Use Permit A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) applies to the use of private property and can allow certain uses, for limited time periods, in locations where the uses would not otherwise be allowed. A Temporary Use Permit may be issued for the following uses:
Alcohol Use Permit If you plan to have alcohol at your event, often you must receive authorization from both the police department and the city. Both the Police Department and managing city department may place restrictions on the way in which alcohol is managed at your proposed event. In many cases, in addition to authorization from the city to provide alcohol at your event, you will need to obtain an additional license from the State’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control. Public Assembly Permit In most cases, all public assemblies of more than 49 people in buildings or areas that are not regularly classified for use as public assembly sites must be reviewed and approved by the city officials. Examples include barricaded streets and other defined venues, fenced beer gardens, concerts, tent events, trade shows, or use of a warehouse or other building not classified for public assembly for a special event venue. Sidewalk /Street Activities Permits You will need a permit for any activity that takes place on the street/sidewalk/plaza, regardless of size and duration. Some examples of street activities that require permits are: Flash mobs, couponing, sampling, any collateral, any free giveaways. Amplified Sound Permit Sound permits have different requirements in each market. Please leave plenty of leave time if you want to amplify sound at your event. Marine / Barge Permit The commercial or promotional use of waterways requires approvals from the local environmental authorities as well as a number of law enforcement agency approvals for security purposes. Fireworks/Special Effects/Laser Permits All activities associated with the use of pyrotechnics and open flames must be reviewed and approved by local Fire-Rescue Departments Examples of activities in this category include outdoor fireworks, lasers, model rocket launches, open flame activities such as fire walking and special effects using pyrotechnical devices. You may also be required to obtain approval from the city’s Regional Water Quality Control Board. |
Building Permit If your event includes the introduction of portable structures, pre-fabricated structures or site-built structures such as bleachers, elevated platforms, temporary pedestrian bridges, tent structures, etc. you may be required to obtain a building permit from the city. Entertainment Permit There are a number of police regulated activities that may require a specialized permit from the Police Department. These permit types include Adult Entertainment; After-Hours Entertainment Business; Entertainment Establishments; Games; and Promoters. Food Permit If you intend to sell, serve, give away, or sample food or consumable products, including water or other beverages, at a public event, you must obtain a Temporary Food Facility Sponsor Permit. Additionally, each food vendor at your event must also have a Temporary Food Facility Vendor Permit. Different permits, policies and procedures depend on your classification and the number of days of your event. Lake Use Permit Organized events involving the use of property managed by the Public Utilities Department may require a Lake Use Permit. Special rules and regulations unique to each site may apply (e.g. use of alcohol, dogs off-leash, use of inflatables, party jumps, live entertainment, park hours, event moratoriums, etc). Neighborhood Block Party Permit The Neighborhood Block Party Permit allows you to close a street for the express purpose of a neighborhood celebration or gathering. This permit application can only be used for block parties in residential, non-mixed use areas. Any neighborhood block party involving: major street closures; the sale of food or alcohol; impact to community services or entities (e.g. bus re-routing, or affecting schools, hospitals, or churches); or large crowds are often required to be reviewed. Park Use Permit Organized events involving the use of public parks that will have large groups may require a Park Use Permit or Special Event Park Use Permit. Special rules and regulations unique to each site may apply (e.g. use of alcohol, dogs off-leash, use of inflatables, party jumps, live entertainment, park hours, event moratoriums, etc). Additional permits will most likely be required as well. Public Assembly Permit All public assemblies in buildings or areas that are not regularly classified for use as public assembly sites may need to be reviewed and approved. Examples include barricaded streets and other defined venues, fenced beer gardens, concerts, tent events, trade shows, or use of a warehouse or other building not classified for public assembly for a special event venue. Tent, Canopy and Membrane Structure Permit All tent and membrane structures over a certain size must be approved and reviewed by the city in most cases. In addition other permits may need to be obtained. Trade Show and Exposition Permit The cities review booth layout, pedestrian flow, aisle width, exiting plans and other crowd safety issues associated with the use of facilities for trade shows. |