Thank You and Acknowledgements
The 2025 Special Events Forum was a tremendous success, thanks to the dedication and participation of so many. A heartfelt thank you to the City agencies, partner organizations, and presenters for providing invaluable insights and expertise, and to our guests for their enthusiasm and engagement.
With 171 RSVPs, the strong turnout underscored our community’s commitment to learning, networking, and collaboration. Special thanks to the Denver Botanic Gardens for hosting us in the beautiful Mitchell Hall and to Serendipity Catering for keeping everyone energized. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Key Presentations and Updates
Access the 2025 Special Events Forum PowerPoint Presentation (Downloadable PDF(PDF, 13MB)). Below is the content covered in the Powerpoint.
Fire Permits and Requirements
Speaker: Lieutenant Andrew Andolsek
Contact: Denver Fire Department (DFD) at 720-527-9418 or specialeventsDFD@denvergov.org
Topics Covered:
- Permitting process for assemblies, pyrotechnics, and occupancy inspections.
- Links:
*These links can also be found in the requirements box of step 3.14 in the OSE application
Proposed Noise Ordinance Updates for Events
Speaker: Justin LaMascus, DDPHE Representative
Contacts: Justin LaMascus, 720-865-5528 | justin.lamascus@denvergov.org, Nathan Rosenberg, 720-865-5525 | nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org
Topics/Key Changes:
1. Proposed Definition: Public Noise-Producing Event
A public noise-producing event is defined as any cultural, athletic, educational, charitable, or civic event (including those with entertainment) that:
- Has received all required City permits or licenses.
- Is open to the general public, including ticketed events.
2. Proposed Noise Limits
For Public Events Held Solely On Public Property:
- Noise Limit: 85 dB(A) between 8 AM - 10 PM.
- Restrictions: No limit on the number of days or required rest periods.
For Public Events held on Public Property and Includes Private property:
Example: A wedding reception hosted at a private venue that includes an outdoor area in a public park.
- Noise Limit: 85 dB(A) between 8 AM - 10 PM.
- Restricted to 8 days per year, with no more than 4 consecutive days.
- If noise exceeds the limit for 2 consecutive days, a 30-day rest period is required before another noise-producing event can occur.
For more details on the noise program and fine schedule, visit: www.denvergov.org/noise
DOTI Updates and Reminders
Speaker: Kelly Colvin, DOTI Representative
Contacts: Michael Holm | Michael.holm@denvergov.org, Beth Ashby Beth.Ashby@denvergov.org
- Outstanding Fees: All permit fees must be paid before new permits are issued.
- New Contact Email: For special events, email SEAOA@denvergov.org.
- Event Locations: Minimize Right of Way (ROW) usage due to limited availability and consider impacts on mobility, RTD, and safety.
- Application Deadlines: Submit applications at least 60 days before the event. Note: The current $50 late fee is under review, with an increase expected in 2025.
Office of Special Events Updates & Requirements
Speaker: Silvia Martinez-Palacios, OSE Representative
Contacts: Silvia Martinez-Palacios | silvia.martinez-palacios@denvergov.org
Updated Special Events Planning Guide
- concise and printer friendly
- resources and templates linked within guide
Community Notifications = Event Success
Not just a requirement when submitting for a permit.
Benefits:
- Avoid Complaints
- Build Goodwill
- Stay Compliant
- Amplify Your Event
Key Takeaway: Notifications are an opportunity to get the community on your side, reduce stress, and make your event a hit.
3 Steps to Successful Community Notifications
Step 1: Create Your Notification
- Use the OSE Notification Template with updated event details.
- Ensure the notification reflects the current event, not a previous year, to avoid delays in approval.
Step 2: Wait for Approval
- Submit your draft and wait for feedback.
- OSE will review and provide either an approval or required edits.
- Ensure your notification matches the event details in your application before distributing.
Step 3: Notify the Community
- Distribute the notification 45 days and 7 days before the setup of the event.
- For events with over 3,000 attendees or road impacts, hand-deliver flyers to affected areas.
Links:
Other General Updates
Waste No More: Current & Future Updates
Current:
- The process remains the same as in 2024.
- Waste Management Plans required for all event permits.
Future (Proposed):
- Recycling: enforced starting March 1, 2026.
- Composting: enforced for events over 3,000 attendees starting March 1, 2027.
- Applies to all public and private permitted events.
Prepare now to meet future sustainability requirements!
Temporary Zone Use Permits
- No longer required for events < than 12 days as of 2/25/25
- Requirement has been removed for your liquor license applications
- Permission letters still required from property owner
Questions? Reach out to zoning.review@denvergov.org
Sales Tax Increase
- Inform your vendors!
- Retail sale tax rate has increased from 4.81 % to 5.15%
- Does not affect food and beverage
- The 2025 sales tax packet linked here
Questions? Reach out to Sales Tax Increase: 720-913-9446
Health Medical Plan Template
Attendance broken out into Daily Total and Daily Peak
Daily Total Attendance:
- Anticipated unique impressions/visitors throughout one day of your event. If multi-day event, please use average.
- This number will always be = to or > than Peak.
Peak Total Attendance:
- The maximum number of attendance anticipated at one time. For example: attendance during the headliner of an all-day festival.
Mobile Medical Team:
- If your events Health and Medical Plan includes mobile medical teams, please indicate the number of personnel and check the box for the type(s) – if medics will be using bicycles, ATVs/motorcycles, will be on foot, or other.
Questions? Reach out to DDPHE: DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org