Special Event Permit FAQs

Permit requirements vary based on your activities and expected attendance. The Parks Reservations and Shelter Rentals Page provides more information about park-specific permits and reservations.

No separate natural areas permit is needed if you have a Special Events Permit.

Events that interfere with vehicle or pedestrian traffic on City streets need a Special Event Permit. You'll need a site map, permit fees, Traffic Control Plan and traffic control devices (barricades, cones, signs) from a traffic control company at your expense.

This may need additional permits through the City's Liquor Licensing Authority. City Code prohibits alcohol in City parks or trails except with a Special Event Permit from the Liquor Licensing Authority. Only Civic Center Park, Washington Park, Oak Street Plaza and Legacy Park allow Special Event Liquor Permits.

Other City locations may apply for alcohol licenses. Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits can get Special Event Liquor Permits.

View Liquor Licensing Information

Yes, but additional permits are required. Event sponsors must ensure vendors comply with the following requirements:

Any vendors selling food, beverages or merchandise at the event need:

• A City of Fort Collins Sales Tax License. Each vendor needs their own license and display it on their equipment.
• A Temporary Event Vendor Application from Larimer County Health and Environment

Vendors do not need an Outdoor Vendor License if you have a Special Event Permit.

Event organizers need:

• A Temporary Event Coordinator Application, submitted to Larimer County Health and Environment. 

Exceptions: Events not open to the public, vendors selling only shelf-stable prepackaged foods or vendors providing only samples. Contact Larimer County Health and Environment for details. 

Food Trucks need:

• An annual Poudre Fire Authority permit.

Food trucks are non-permanent motorized vehicles or trailers designed to serve food and beverages. The City removes non-compliant food trucks from events.

Events with amplified sound must follow the City's Noise Ordinance. The Ordinance sets acceptable sound levels and hours for different areas. Request a variance by contacting Code Compliance.

Code Compliance Officers must have event access to monitor sound levels. Large events may pay a fee for Code Compliance monitoring.

You need a Poudre Fire Authority tent permit for:

• Tents or air-supported structures over 400 square feet (20' x 20')
• Any canopy over 700 square feet

View Poudre Fire Authority Tent Permit Info

Recreational fires or pyrotechnics need Poudre Fire Authority approval.

View Fire/Pyrotechnics Permit Information

Bingo and raffles are subject to specific requirements and may require specific licenses and permits from the Colorado Secretary of State. 

Crowd managers help ensure event safety. They create emergency evacuation plans and ensure staff understand crowd management and evacuation procedures. Outdoor events with over 1,000 people need a crowd manager.

To use banners or signs at your event, or to promote your event, a banner permit must be obtained prior to installation.

View Temporary Sign/Banner Permit Information 

Not Allowed:

• Portable signs or those not affixed securely to a structure, motorized vehicle, or into the ground surface (this includes a-frames, sandwich boards, trailer mounted and leaning signs)
• Wind-driven signs such as tethered balloons
• Signs which extend above fascia walls, rooftop signs, revolving/rotating signs, posters and inflatable signage objects