Special Event Permit Permit and Inspection Process
A Special Event is an activity open to the public and conducted and operated by an organization within Montgomery County. Examples of special events include carnivals, fairs, concerts, festivals, fireworks displays, athletic or recreational tournaments, and others. This guidance document highlights five steps to obtaining a Special Event permit. For assistance with eServices, email [email protected].
Watch this Permitting Services Podcast video for more information about special events.
A Special Event Permit is required for activities or events in Montgomery County that generate or invite public participation and/or spectators resulting in an impact on public streets, sidewalks, and adjacent private properties. Examples may include bazaars, carnivals, concerts, dances, fairs, festivals, fireworks displays, athletic recreational activities, and others.
There are various activities and events that may require a Special Event Permit including, but not limited to, bazaars, carnivals, concerts, dances, fairs, festivals, fireworks display, picnics, athletic recreation activities, and others.
In addition to a Special Event Permit, you may need other permits including an Electrical permit for generators and temporary wiring; a Use and Occupancy certificate for temporary tents; a Building permit for stages; a Fire Code Compliance permit for open flame devices; and/or a Benefit Performance License.
Depending on the circumstances of the Special Event, additional licenses or permits may be needed from other County departments. Some of these are listed below:
- Food and Beverage from the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Class C One Day Special License from the Department of Alcohol and Beverage Services.
- Special Event from the Department of Transportation.
- Application for Use from the Community Use of Public Facilities when renting a County-owned facility.
A Benefit Performance is an event conducted and operated by a bona fide nonprofit organization within Montgomery County, the net proceeds of which are exclusively for the benefit of the organization. Benefit performances include carnivals, fairs, picnics, dances, bazaars, concerts and horse shows. Any bona fide nonprofit organization within the County will need a Benefit Performance license to conduct a benefit performance.