Special Event Checklist for Private Events

Events that are closed to the general public and/or are held on private property.

The Office of Special Events (OSE) primarily works with event organizers who produce events that are open to the public and held on public property. OSE guides event organizers through the required permitting process, resulting in an Office of Special Events Permit (OSEP). OSE is also available to help private events held on private property to assist with navigating through various City departments to obtain the City proper permits.

There are many City requirements that both public and private events may need to meet. The agencies and items below identify common requirements and deadlines that may need to be met by your event.

Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR)

A park permit application must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to event date.
Email: park.permits@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-913-0700 | Web: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Parks-Recreation/Park-Permits/Public-Event-Permits

Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)

Public Right of Way/Meters/Non-Meter Parking. Events on public right of way (streets, alleys, sidewalks, parking lanes) or requesting bagged meters contact public works a minimum of 60 days prior to event date.
Web: www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Transportation-and-Infrastructure/Documents/Right-of-Way-Permits | Email: SEAOA@denvergov.org

Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

It is recommended that events with an attendance of 2,500 or more contact DDPHE/EMS 60 days prior to the event.
Email: DDPHEInformation@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-5452 | Web: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Public-Health-Environment/Emergency-Preparedness-and-Response/Special-Events-Emergency-Medical-Requirements

Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

High profile, international and major events need to contact OEM 60 days prior to event for assistance with an emergency action plan.
Email: courtney.bernet@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-5452 | Web: denvergov.org/emergencymanagement

Off-Duty Police (DPD)

Private Events that require off duty officers need to contact the Office of Secondary Employment and/or an off-duty police coordinator 30 days prior to the event.
Email: Analisa.ortiz@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-337-0771 | Web: denvergov.org/police

Treasury (TX)

Vendor Sales Tax, Admission Based Events. Events must ensure all vendors pay appropriate Denver sales tax. For admission-based events (i.e. ticketed events), you must pay an admission-based event tax.
Web: denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Finance/Our-Divisions/Treasury/Business-Tax-Information | Vendor Sales Tax: Phone: 720-913-9446 | Admission Based Events: Email: taxauditadmin@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-913-9955

Denver Police Department (DPD)

Private runs, races, rides, walks and events that require traffic control should contact the DPD Special Events Unit a minimum of 30 days prior to event, but no more than 200 days prior.
Email: dpdspecialevents@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-337-1030 | Web: denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Special-Events/Permitting-Special-Events/DPD-SEU

Denver Fire Department (DFD)

Events that utilize generators, tents, fuel, flames, etc. need to contact Denver Fire a minimum of 30 days prior to the event or 45 days if also applying for a liquor license.
Email: SpecialEventsDFD@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-913-3464 | Web: denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Fire-Department/Permits-Licensing/Fire-Safety-Operational-Permit-Application-Process

Excise and Licenses (ExL)

Liquor License and Merchant Guard Licenses. Only nonprofit organizations can apply for a liquor license. Liquor license requests must be received a minimum of 30 days prior to event. Hired security (merchant guards) must be licensed in the City of Denver.
Email: exlapplications@denvergov.org | Phone: 311 | Web: denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-licenses/Liquor

Department of Public Health and the Environment (DDPHE)

You must reach out a minimum of 30 days prior to the event for the following:

• SOUND/NOISE: All events must understand and comply with Chapter 36 of the Denver Municipal Code.
• FOOD: Organizers need to ensure all vendors are properly licensed in the city of Denver.
• BODY ART: Body artists must obtain a temporary license and be inspected at least 30 days in advance.
• POOLS: Water features, water rides, etc. must be reviewed and approved by Department of Public Health and Environment at least 30 days prior to operation.

Web: denvergov.org/publichealth | Food Vendors: Email: phispecialevents@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-5401 | Noise Ordinance: Email: justin.lamascus@denvergov.org or nathaniel.rosenberg@denvergov.org | Body Art: Email: Reid.Matsuda@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-2967 | Pools: Email: Tara.olson@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-5479

Facilities Management

Events that wish to utilize spaces in or around city buildings need to coordinate a minimum of 30 days prior to event date.
Email: facilities.helpdesk@denvergov.org

RTD

A minimum of 45 days notification for any events that effect an RTD bus stop is required. Impacting RTD rail lines is not allowed.
Web: www.rtd-denver.com. Bus Stops/Routes: 303-299-6928 | greg.wing@rtd-denver.com | Timothy.Lucero@rtd-denver.com

Development Services

Electrical, Stages/Buildings or Zoning. Please apply at least 30 days in advance.

• Certain stages and structures require permits that can only be pulled by a Denver licensed contractor.
  Staging & Building: Email: Addison.MacMahon@denvergov.org or Keith.Ostrander@denvergov.org.
• Generators that are 5kw or larger need a permit from Development Services (as well as the Fire Department) that can only be pulled by a Denver licensed contractor.
  Electrical/Generator: Email: carol.pafford@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-2827.
• Events in parking lots or anywhere not already zoned for assembly will need a temporary rezoning permit. Zoning: Email: zoningreview@denvergov.org | Phone: 720-865-3000 | Web: denvergov.org/zoning

Notification

We strongly encourage private events to notify surrounding residents and businesses if your event will result in street closures, heavy traffic, parking challenges or noise.
Contact: denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Office-of-Special-Events/Contact-Us | Phone: 720-913-1517 | Web: denvergov.org/specialevents

For more information on city requirements, visit denvergov.org/specialevents.