Apply for a Special Event Permit

The special event permitting process is required for any open to the public event that uses public property (such as streets, sidewalks, or parks) and includes one or more of the following elements: food service, liquor, street closures, tents, staging, or generators.

Note that depending on your event's complexity, you and your vendors might need to secure additional permits for components such as food, liquor, and street closures.

Public events are complex and require detailed planning, along with supplemental applications. We recommend you apply at least 90 days in advance, though applications must be submitted no later than 30 days before your event.

Prepare for Your Application:

1. Set Event Dates: Contact the Office of Special Events at 314-589-6640 to check for scheduling conflicts. If the event is located downtown, this is mandatory. 
2. Review Policies and Permits: Review all special event policies. Note that many of these policies require you to obtain additional permits (such as a temporary food or catering permit) after you have secured your special event permit.
3. Gather Required Documents: To avoid delays, have the following documents ready. A complete list of all requirements can only be determined once we review your full event plan.
   • Special Event Application: The special event application must be submitted 30 days prior to your event. It is recommended to submit 90 days in advance. 
   • Liability Insurance: Proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance. The policy must list the City of St. Louis as an additional insured party.
   • Aldermanic Support: A letter of support from the Alderman/Alderwoman whose ward your event is in.
   • Detailed Site Map: A clear drawing showing the layout, including all structures, vendors, and restrooms.
   • Safety Plan: A comprehensive plan covering emergencies, first aid, and crowd management.
   • Waste Management Plan: A plan for trash removal and confirmation that enough restrooms will be provided.
   • Traffic Control Plan (if closing streets): You must work with a certified traffic control company, rent the proper equipment, and provide the plan with your application.
   • Security Plan: Licensed personnel must be hired if the event involves alcohol or expects 500 people or more.

Organizer Responsibilities:

• Community Communication: You must proactively inform and communicate with all residents, businesses, and organizations that may be impacted by your event (e.g., due to street closures or noise).
• Resource Provision: The City of St. Louis does not provide operational resources. You are responsible for hiring third-party vendors for:
  • Traffic control equipment (barricades, cones, signage)
  • Security services
  • Temporary restrooms
  • Waste management and cleanup services
  • Tents, stages, and other temporary structures
• State Roads: If your event impacts any state-operated roads - Riverview (H & 367) Hall St (H) Natural Bridge (115) Page (D) Manchester/Chouteau (100) Gravois (30) Chippewa (366) - you must also obtain MoDOT approval/permits.

1. Although not required, we recommend creating a My City account (found in the upper right-hand corner) before proceeding. This will provide enhanced features, such as a dashboard to manage all your applications and saved basic information, which will expedite future special event permit applications.
2. Start your application by clicking the "Begin Online" button.
3. Your submitted application must include payment of the special event permit application fee. Application review will not begin until this fee is paid.
    

Begin online

Special Event application non-refundable fees are as follows: 

• $25 if the application is submitted 90 days or more before the event
• $100 if the application is submitted less than 90 days before the event

Additional permit fees may apply. The fee for the special event application must be paid online at the time of submission.

• Application Submission: Upon completing your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number.
• Initial Review: After the application is submitted and the application fee is paid, the Office of Special Events (OSE) will begin reviewing your application on the next business day.
• Departmental Assignment: If the application is complete, the OSE will assign it to the necessary reviewing departments.
• Departmental Review: The appropriate departments will review the application.
• Status Tracking and Communication: You will be contacted if additional information or clarification is needed. You can track the application status, view missing items, and check department communication through the “Track and Manage” feature or by logging into your My City account.
• Timeline: The review process takes a minimum of three to five weeks from the date of receipt to the issuance of the permit. Note that exceeding this three-to-five-week estimate is not uncommon.
• Permit Issuance: The Special Event Permit is issued by the Board of Public Service at their weekly meeting, following approval from all required departments.
• Obtaining Additional Permits: Once the Special Event Permit is issued, you will be prompted to pay for any required additional permits (e.g., Streets Permit, Parks Permit).

Important Note: The Special Event Permit must be approved before you can obtain any other necessary permits.