Special event permits allow you to hold short-term events at your business. Our review process ensures that the event will not be disruptive or incompatible with surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.
What you need to know
- Total duration of events for one business: Up to four events totaling up to 14 weeks per year.
- Total duration of allowable events in one shopping center: 26 weeks per year.
- All events of individual businesses in the shopping center will be counted toward the shopping center’s total.
- Christmas tree and pumpkin sales are limited to six weeks.
- Live plant sales are allowed for up to 14 weeks.
- We may approve temporary signs and attention-getting devices as part of your event, and they do not require separate sign permits.
- You must provide adequate parking for your event without creating a parking shortage for other business owners.
- If you are using parking from neighboring business, you must have written permission from each owner.
Events that do not require a permit
Certain types of events do not require you to get a special event permit, but we do ask you to contact us with the date and time of the event, so we can ensure adequate emergency response, if needed. This includes:
- Groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting ceremonies or other events celebrating the beginning or completing of the construction of a new facility.
- Auctions and estate sales held inside existing buildings that will not generate traffic or parking issues in the surrounding neighborhood.
- Parade of Homes.
When and how to apply for a permit
For most events, you need to apply at least 15 days before your event is scheduled to begin. For large-scale events — like a concert, circus, carnival, etc. — you must apply at least 30 days prior to the event.
FIFA World Cup 26™ timing for needs in June–July: We recommend applying at least 20 business days prior to your event. Permit approval will depend on the event scope and its impact on streets and requests for City resources.