30 Days Prior to Event

Expand each of the items below to find details about the City and County of Denver requirements that must be completed at least 30 days before the event.

Health and Medical Plan

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org

Event organizers must be prepared for possible injuries or accidents. Denver’s Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) has created Emergency Medical Requirements to help keep people safe at events.

Important Steps:

  1. All events must submit a Health and Medical Plan using the provided Health and Medical Plan Template.
  2. Use the resources linked below to create your Health and Medical Plan:

For more information, visit DDPHE’s website. You can also request a one-on-one meeting with DDPHE to review your plan by emailing DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org.

 

Amplified Sound Limits

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: justin.lamascus@denvergov.org and nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org

All event organizers must review and follow Denver’s Noise Ordinance. Disruptive sounds like live music, DJs, speakers, airhorns, or generators must comply with the guidelines to avoid fines of up to $5,000 per day.

Important Steps:

  1. Learn the Rules: Review the Denver Special Events Noise Fact Sheet to understand acceptable noise levels and how to manage noise at your event.
  2. Complete the Worksheet: Fill out and upload the Noise Ordinance Requirements Worksheet to your event application. This is required by DDPHE for all events with amplified sound. It also determines if your event qualifies for a festival exemption allowing higher noise levels.
  3. Complete and upload the Electronic Communications Agreement form to your application.

For questions, contact justin.lamascus@denvergov.org or nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org.

 

Emergency Action Plan

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Courtney Bernet at courtney.bernet@denvergov.org or 720-865-7600

All special events in Denver must submit an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) using the provided Emergency Action Plan Template. The EAP outlines how to reduce risks before and during the event and the steps to follow in an emergency. It complements the Health and Medical Plan (HMP), but is submitted separately.

The plan must be specific to the event’s location, size, type, potential risks, and available resources.

For more information, visit the OSE Education Programs and Resources page or visit the Office of Emergency Management’s website. You can also email courtney.bernet@denvergov.org or call 720-865-7600.

 

Parades, Runs, and Rides on Denver Streets

DEADLINE: a minimum of 30 days and as early as 200 days prior to event
CONTACT: dpdspecialevents-dpd@denvergov.org or 720-337-1030

If you are organizing a parade, run, walk, or ride on Denver streets, you must obtain a permit from the Denver Police Department’s (DPD) Special Events Unit (SEU).

Important Steps:

  1. Submit your application in person at least 30 days before the event and no more than 200 days in advance.
  2. Call 720-337-1030 to schedule an appointment before submitting your application.
  3. Plan your route and include a detailed map with your application—DPD does not create routes for events.
  4. Permits are issued only after DPD reviews and approves your application and route.

Note: A park or street permit does not guarantee police resources for your event. You must confirm resource availability with DPD. DPD resources are finite so be sure to reach out as early as possible for races, runs, walks, and rides.

For more information on permits, fees, and requirements, visit the DPD's Special Event Unit website or call 720-337-1030.

Hiring Off-Duty Denver Police Officers

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Analisa.ortiz@denvergov.org

If you need to hire Denver Police for your event, contact the Office of Secondary Employment at least 30 days before your event. Call 720-337-0771 or email Analisa Ortiz at Analisa.ortiz@denvergov.org.

Hiring Event Security

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: licenses@denvergov.org

If you need hired security guards at your event, the company and guards must be licensed in the City and County of Denver. For more information, visit the Department of Excise and License website.

If your security vendor isn't licensed, they must apply at least 30 days before the event.

For questions, email licenses@denvergov.org or call 311.

 

Tent and Fire Requirements (30 days prior to event)

Fireworks Show at the City and County Building DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Lt. Andrew Andolsek with Denver Fire Department at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org.

 

Tents over 200 square feet require a Denver Fire Permit. Propane, open flames, fuel storage and pyrotechnics must also be permitted by the fire department. Permit applications must be submitted on the Denver Fire Department website a minimum of 30 days prior to your event date.

Please contact Lt. Andrew Andolsek with Denver Fire Department at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org with any questions.

 

Selling or Serving Alcohol

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: exlapplications@denvergov.org

Who Can Apply:

  • Only non-profits are eligible.
  • All proceeds from alcohol sales must directly benefit the non-profit.

    Important Steps:

  • Submit your liquor permit application via the Department of Excise and Licenses website.
  • Be sure to review the Required Documents section on the Excise and Licenses website.  You will need to submit your final Park Permit and/or SERSOP to Excise and License before your liquor permit will be issued.  However, you can begin the liquor permitting process while waiting for your other permits to be finalized.

     

    Additional Requirements for Entertainment:

  • Events with entertainment must include a Special Event Cabaret Permit Application with their liquor permit application.

Contact the Excise and License Department with any questions about the Special Event Liquor Permit or Special Event Cabaret Permit at exlapplications@denvergov.org or call 311. 

 

 

Generators

a portable generator on the ground DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACTS: Denver Fire Department at 720-527-9418 or at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org and carol.pafford@denvergov.org with Denver Development Services.

Generators 5kW and over require two permits:

  1. Fire Permit: Needed for the generator's fuel. Submit the Fire Permit Application at least 30 days before the event. For questions, contact Denver Fire Department at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org or call 720-527-9418.
  2. Electrical Permit: Required from Denver Development Services. Only licensed electricians can apply, and an on-site inspection is needed. Ensure your vendor is licensed. Contact Development Services at carol.pafford@denvergov.org or call 720-865-2827 for more information.

For generators under 5kW, no permit is needed, but review the Portable Generators document for proper use and guidelines.

Fire Permits

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACTS: Denver Fire Department (DFD) at 720-527-9418 or specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org.

Please review the DFD Special Events Guidelines to determine if a fire permit is required for your event.  Tents over 200 sq ft, propane, open flames, fuel storage, pyrotechnics, and parade floats are some of the most common event elements will need for a fire permit.

If a fire permit is needed, submit your Fire Permit Application at least 30 days prior to your event. Refer to the Fire Permit Application process for detailed instructions.

For additional assistance, contact the Denver Fire Department by email at specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org or call 720-527-9418.

Stage and Structures

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: Addison.Macmahon@denvergov.org

Stages and structures at your event may require building permits. It is the organizer’s responsibility to make sure the vendor has the right permits.

Important Details:

  • Only a Denver-licensed contractor can apply for these permits.
  • If a permit is needed, an on-site inspection will also be required.

For more information, check Denver’s Building Permit Policy. To apply, visit E-permits and use the E-permits for Special Events guidance document for assistance.

If you have any questions, email addison.macmahon@denvergov.org.

Sales Tax Licensing

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 720-913-9300

All vendors at your event must collect and pay Denver sales tax.

  • Denver Licensed Vendors: Existing Denver businesses or licensed vendors don’t need extra permits or fees. Sales from the event are reported on their regular tax returns.
  • All Other Vendors: Must register for a Special Event Sales Tax account. Register online by selecting "Register or File for Special Event.”

For more details, visit Denver's Treasury website, and check the "Special Event Sales Tax" section. For questions, contact the Treasury Department at 720-913-9446.

Admission-Based Events

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: taxauditadmin@denvergov.org

If your event charges admission, before selling tickets contact the Treasury Department at taxauditadmin@denvergov.org or call 720-913-9955. Event organizers must collect and submit the Facilities Development Tax aka "Seat Tax" By the 15th of the month after the tickets are sold. Check the Denver Tax Guide for details.

Important Details:

  • These requirements do not apply to races, runs, walks, or rides.
  • Only certain Denver parks allow admission-based events. Contact the Parks Permit Office for more information.

Waste Management Plan

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 
denverevents@denvergov.org

Denver voters approved the Waste No More initiative, requiring events to submit a Waste Management Plan and provide three-stream waste collection (trash, recycling, and organics) with signage. Though three-stream collection is not enforced yet, you must submit the Waste Management Plan Template to get your OSE permit.

Food Vendor Approval and Licensing

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 
DDPHE at phicomments@denvergov.org and EXL at licenses@denvergov.org

Event organizers must ensure all food vendors are properly licensed to avoid fines and ensure public health compliance.

Important Details:

  1. It is the event organizers responsibility to verify their vendors have the appropriate Denver licenses.
  2. Licensing for Different Vendor Types:
    • Brick-and-mortar restaurants must obtain a Restaurant Temporary License to operate at an event.  If the vendor already has a valid temporary restaurant license, they must add each event to their license.
    • Required for food trucks - Retail Food Mobile License: This process can take several weeks, so vendors should apply early.
    • Food sales that fall under the Colorado Cottage foods Act may be exempt from the above licensing requirements.
  3. CBD Sales at Events:
  • Vendors selling consumable CBD must obtain the proper licenses and ensure their products come from approved sources and follow food safety rules.  Review the CBD Product Sales Guide at special events for more information.

For more details visit the Food license information website. Or email DDPHE at phicomments@denvergov.org and EXL at licenses@denvergov.org. 

Marijuana Related Guidelines

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 
MarijuanaInfo@Denvergov.org

  • Consumption: Marijuana consumption is not allowed on public property.
  • Advertising: There are strict rules regarding marijuana advertising. Please review Guidance for Marijuana Advertising at Special Events in Denver for more details.
  • Sales: If vendors will sell marijuana-related products, you must upload a list of those vendors to your OSE application at least 30 days before the event.

For more information about marijuana-related vendors, booths, or sponsors, contact your OSE Event Planning Specialist (EPS).

Tattoos and Body Piercing Licensing

DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: 
reid.matsuda@denvergov.org

If your event includes tattooing or body piercing, you will need a Temporary body art establishment permit and each artist will need an individual license.

  • Temporary Establishment Permits: Temporary body art establishment permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.
  • Temporary body artist license permit: As the event organizer, you must ensure all body artists are licensed in Denver or apply for a temporary body artist license. Temporary licenses must be submitted at least 30 days before the event.

Contact Reid Matsuda at reid.matsuda@denvergov.org at the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) for licensing details.

Water Features Approval

Dog diving into pool at event DEADLINE: 30 days prior to event
CONTACT: phicomments@denvergov.org

Water features like pools, water rides, and other attractions must be approved by the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) at least 30 days before your event.

  • Contact DDPHE: Email phicomments@denvergov.org to schedule approvals and inspections.
  • Parks Approval: If your event is in a park, approval from the Department of Parks and Recreation may also be needed.