Thanks for choosing Fredville as the home of your next special event. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works as the go-between for applicants and the City departments involved, making sure each event is safe and meets City rules before a permit is issued.
Does My Event Need a Permit?
Any block party that blocks or closes a street or other right-of-way needs a Special Event Permit, no matter how many people attend.
An event expecting 75 or more guests also needs a permit if it includes any of these:
- Amplified sound
- A tent of 400 square feet or more
- Temporary structures such as stages or portable restrooms
- Interruptions to normal traffic
- A closed or blocked street, sidewalk or public right-of-way
- Food sales
- Alcohol being served or consumed
Not sure whether your event qualifies? Call OEM at (555) 010-5336 or email [email protected] and staff will help you decide.
How Long It Takes
Apply no later than 30 days before your event date.
Most applications are processed within 7 to 14 business days. Review can take longer if a department asks you for revised or additional information.
The City cannot promise to review and approve an application that arrives less than 30 days before the event begins.
Step 1: Review the Requirements
Read the City's special event ordinance before you apply.
Insurance
To protect both the applicant and the City, Fredville requires the following coverage, depending on the risks of the event:
- General liability insurance of $1,000,000 for each occurrence
- Auto liability insurance at no less than the statutory limits
- For events serving liquor, a separate liquor liability policy of at least $1,000,000
- On every policy, the City of Fredville listed as Certificate Holder and as an Additional Insured, with a Waiver of Subrogation included
- For events with amusement rides, the ride vendor's certificate of insurance naming the applicant as an Additional Insured
A sample Certificate of Insurance (PDF, 1 MB) is available for reference. Applications without the required coverage cannot be approved.
Site Plan
Prepare a site map on a computer that shows:
- Every existing and planned structure on the property, for example tents, stages, booths, rides, bounce houses, food trucks, concession stands, buildings, screens, signs, barricades and portable restrooms
- Surrounding streets, ways in and out, routes for parades, runs or drive-through events, and any road closures
- Guest parking, check-in or registration areas and other key spots
- Labels, symbols and a legend that explains them
Two sample event site plans (PDF, 8 MB and 6 MB) are available for reference.
Other Permits and Documents You May Need
After you apply, OEM will let you know if your event requires any of the permits, documents or approvals below.
Temporary structures. Enclosed structures larger than 400 square feet, or open-sided structures larger than 700 square feet, need a Temporary Structure Permit from the Building Inspections Department. Your special event application cannot be completed without it. Apply through the City's online permitting portal:
- Select "Apply."
- Find the Commercial Miscellaneous building application and choose "Apply."
- Create an account with a username and password to start.
- Upload documentation for each tent, including its dimensions, plus the event location and the name of the special event.
- After you submit, sign in whenever you like to follow the review.
For questions about this permit, phone Building Inspections, (555) 010-2235.
Food vendors. Every temporary food or beverage vendor or distributor at the event must apply for a Temporary Food Permit from the Health and Environment Department. Details and the application are on the Temporary Food Establishment Permit page. For questions, call (555) 010-1261.
Flame certificates. Depending on tent size, the Fire Marshal's Office may ask for flame-resistance certificates.
Inspections. Where an event inspection is needed, schedule it with:
- Building inspections: call (555) 010-2235
- Fire inspections: call (555) 010-4148
City parks. If your event will be held in a City park, OEM forwards the application to Parks and Recreation for review and sign-off before the permit is issued.
What the Application Asks For
- The event's name and a full description
- Its location or street address
- Start and end dates and times
- Setup date and time
- A link to the event's social media page (optional)
- How many people you expect
- A plan for handing out food and alcohol, if any
- A plan for sanitation and trash collection
A printer-friendly copy of these requirements is also available.
Step 2: Apply Online
Send in the online application, with all event details and supporting documents, at least 30 days before the event starts. A confirmation email will follow once it is received.
Step 3: City Review
Seven City departments review different parts of each application. During this stage the Legal, Fire, Building Inspections, Planning or Environmental staff may ask for more permits or documents before signing off.
Step 4: Pay the Fee
When all seven departments have approved the application, the City collects the permit fee.
Step 5: Receive Your Permit
Once payment is in, the Office of Emergency Management issues the Special Event Permit.
Fees
- $50: one-time special event (four or fewer events in a year)
- $350: recurring special event (five to thirteen events in a year)
An annual event held once each year counts as a one-time event.
At a glance
- Fee
- $50 for a one-time event (four or fewer a year); $350 for a recurring event (five to thirteen a year)
- Who needs it
- Organizers of a public event that uses city streets, parks or property
- How to apply
- This one is not in the online permit portal; use the application below.
- Application
- Sample application for this permit
- Turnaround
- Apply no later than 30 days before the event
- Questions
- (555) 010-5336, [email protected]
Fredville is a demonstration city built by Talk to Fred. Names, numbers and details on this page are sample content.