Special Events Permit

A block party is a street closure to facilitate neighbors on a specific block getting together to build a sense of community. Block parties are typically held on neighborhood streets and are not allowed on collector or arterial roadways.

Block Party Applications must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the event. These applications require signatures from all impacted neighbors so please plan ahead and allow yourself sufficient time to meet the required application deadline.

In addition to this Application for a Block Party permit, you may want to visit the Community & Neighborhood Resources page for additional information on how to get funding assistance for your event.

Parade, Procession, Protest/March Permit – Parades or marches that take place on public right-of-way but DO NOT include blockage or closure of streets or rights-of-way are handled by the Longmont Police Department directly.

Please complete the Longmont Parade Application at least 4 days prior to the event and submit along with payment to the Longmont Police Department, 225 Kimbark Street.

If you are planning a parade or march that closes the streets or rights-of-way, you may need to submit a Special Event on Public Property permit application.  Please call the City Clerk’s Office at (303) 651-8649 to discuss the unique aspects of your event and determine what, if any, permits are needed.

Is a permit required for my event?

1. Are you having alcohol at your event?
2. Are you closing, blocking or interfering with the flow of pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle traffic?
3. Are you setting up anything larger than a single 12′ x 12′ pop up tent?
4. Are you inviting the public and charging admission?
5. Will you have amplified sound that is audible more than 25 feet from the source?
6. Will there be any potentially hazardous activities (bounce house, climbing wall, etc.)?
7. Are you selling or will the event include the sale of goods (tangible or intangible)?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of the questions above, you must apply for a Special Event on Public Property permit.

How to Apply & Pay

1. Navigate to the City’s new online Special Event application portal
2. Create an account by clicking on the green ‘create’ button
3. Login
4. Create and Submit your Special Event Permit Application at least 45 days prior to your event by responding to the prompts and uploading requested information and documentation.
5. ALL applicants must upload the following items in order to obtain a permit:
   • Certificate of Insurance with Combined Single Limit of $1,000,000, must name the City of Longmont as Additional Insured.
     • The correct address for the Certificate Holder must read: City of Longmont, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont CO  80501.
     • .COI must be valid for duration of the event, including set-up and dismantle periods
       • If serving/selling alcohol, the insurance certificate must include Liquor Liability.
       • If you have a bounce house or other potentially hazardous component of your event, you must make sure your policy covers that activity. Ask your insurer to explicitly list this special coverage on the Certificate of Insurance or rent from a provider known to carry the proper insurance for bounce houses: List of Bounce House Rentals with Insurance.
       • If you don’t currently have insurance, you can obtain affordable one-time policies from the providers listed below. Please note, these companies are provided as a resource and are not endorsed by the City of Longmont. You may reach out to any provider that meets the city’s insurance requirements.
         • • The Event Helper
           • American Specialty
           • RVNA/Fireman’s Fund
           • Markel Insurance
           • K&K Insurance
     • Site Plan/Diagram or Route/Course Maps (if applicable)

• • • • • • Must be detailed diagrams that show the location, components of the event, major cross streets, location of all aspects of the event, entry and exit locations, etc.

1. • • Traffic Control Plans created by a Traffic Engineer or Traffic Control Company (for events with street closures).
     • Proof of park reservation for any park or shelter. Call Recreation Services first to reserve the park prior to applying for your permit to ensure the park is available. Call 303-651-8404 or find self-service information online.
     • Proof of permission to use non-City owned property for your event (if applicable).
2. Upload all of the above required documents in the online application.
3. City Clerk’s Staff will review your online application and send you a link to pay the application fees:
   • $50 for all Use of Public Places Special Event Permit Applications
   • Additional $50 for all applications including alcohol sales or service in their event
     • Events with alcohol that are not by invitation only are also required to obtain a Liquor Special Event Permit. This is an additional cost and the process requires you to apply at least 45 days prior to your event. See the tab/accordion below titled “Liquor Special Event Permit” for more information. 
4. You will receive emails from the eProval application software with links to comments or requests for additional information from City staff.  Please respond and provide all requested documentation promptly to ensure speedy processing of your permit application.
5. Once your permit is issued, you will receive an email notifying you the event is approved and the permit is ready for download.
6. Download the permit and be sure to have it with you the day(s) of your event.

For any questions about the application or process, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 303-651-8649.

• Events being conducted on private property may need to obtain a Temporary Use Special Event Permit through the Planning & Development Services Department. This permit is meant to ensure public safety and to help minimize public nuisances or dangers caused by events on private property. Call (303) 651-8330 for information.
• Events on private property with alcohol service or sales to the public must be permitted by the Local Licensing Authority. Contact the City Clerk’s Office regarding liquor licensing and permitting at (303) 651-8649.

• Events on private property must comply with City code and, in particular, with noise code. There is no permit for excessive noise.

Click on this Calendar Link to see a calendar view of all events on public property that have been permitted by the City Clerk’s Office. Note: This calendar only displays APPROVED events and does not show event applications that are under review.

Event Sponsorship Policy

The City of Longmont provides sponsorship to certain public events with City Council’s approval. The City Sponsored Events Policy outlines which events are sponsored by the City of Longmont and the level of sponsorship.

Event Sponsorship Request

Event organizers may request sponsorship from the Longmont City Council by filling out the Special Event Sponsorship Request Form and submitting it to:

Longmont City Clerk’s Office, city.clerk@longmontcolorado.gov

Longmont City Clerk, 350 Kimbark St., Longmont, CO 80501.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for approval.

Organizers cannot rely on Council sponsorship and are encouraged to make and pay for their facility reservations, arrange for all necessary contracts and services for the event, and to submit their Special Event on Public Property application as early as possible. 

Liquor Special Event Permits allow qualified non-profit entities or political candidates to sell, serve, or distribute alcohol beverages for on-premise consumption only in connection with fund raising events. Applicants must demonstrate possession of the premises at which the event will be held. If the event will be held on public property (i.e. in a City park), a Use of Public Places for Special Event permit (see above) must be obtained in addition to reserving the park through Recreation Services. Sandwiches or snack foods must be made available during all hours of liquor service.

A special event permit may be issued to an organization which:

• has been incorporated under the laws of this state for purposes of social, fraternal, patriotic, political, or athletic nature, and not for pecuniary gain, or
• is a regularly chartered branch, lodge, or chapter of a national organization or society organized for such purposes and being nonprofit in nature, or
• is a regularly established religious or philanthropic institution, or
• to any political candidate who has filed the necessary reports and statements with the secretary of state pursuant to article 45 of title 1, C.R.S.
• municipality owning an arts facility

The special event permit holder may obtain a maximum of 15 Special Events Permits per calendar year. Each permit is valid for one day only. An event lasting between one and five days may be applied for on one application but each day counts toward the maximum of fifteen total days per year. The Local Licensing Authority does not permit that different single day events be applied for on a single application form as each event is unique and must be addressed individually.

How to Apply for a Liquor Special Event Permit:

1. Please submit your complete Application for a Liquor Special Event Permit 60 days prior to your event. You are welcome to submit it even earlier if you like.
2. The City Clerk’s staff may not provide you legal advice regarding your application.
3. The applicant is required to post the Notice Poster at the location of the event and complete and return a notarized affidavit and photos of the posting to the City Clerk’s Office. City Clerk staff will prepare the poster, notify the applicant when to pick it up, and indicate the deadline to post in order to meet statutory requirements. Failure to complete this notification process as outlined by City Clerk staff may result in denial of the application.
4. A representative of the organization may be required to attend a hearing and respond to any questions the Authority may have regarding the event, the layout, and liquor service management and logistics. The Deputy City Clerk will notify the applicant of the hearing date.
5. The Local Licensing Authority meetings are at 2 pm on the fourth Thursday of the month in Courtroom A of the Safety & Justice Center, 225 Kimbark St., Longmont, unless otherwise scheduled.
6. For questions about this application or the process, please contact the City Clerk’s Office, 350 Kimbark St. or 303-651-8649.