Permits & Applications

General Policy Statement

Special events of all kinds can contribute many social, cultural and financial benefits to a community. In recognition of these benefits, it is the policy of the City of Aurora to encourage events which:

  • Add to the quality of life for our residents
  • Present a positive image for the City
  • Promote tourism and attract visitors
  • Revitalize downtown and neighborhoods
  • Showcase local talent
  • Target cross-cultural communication
The City of Aurora has established policies and procedures that will allow for the advanced planning and management of personnel, financial resources, and public properties under its control. These policies and procedures will provide a system, common information and basic ground rules, which allow the City and Special Event Sponsors to achieve their mutual goals.

Categories of Special Events

City of Aurora Special Event Permit Applications are designated into one of five Tiers.

A Tier 1 event is a special event that:

  • Is a special event that includes the use of City Streets, sidewalks, or right-of-ways
  • Is a multi-day event
  • Requests a permit for the issuance of a temporary liquor license
  • Is a special event that estimates more than 1,000 attendees per day
  • Includes food and beverage vendors
  • Is a special event that includes fireworks
  • Is a carnival or circus

Examples: Musical events, private parades, carnivals, circuses, runs/walks, events that include Downtown street closures, etc.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR TIER 1 EVENTS: 90 days prior to the event date

A Tier 2 event is a special event that:

  • Is an assembly at a City property that estimates attendance at less than 1,000 attendees per day
  • Is an assembly lasting four days or less, that is held primarily on private property, and that estimates attendance at less than 1,000 attendees per day
  • Has an estimated need, based on its permit application, for additional City services, staff time, security or police services
  • Includes food and beverage vendors
  • Is stationary and impacts up to two blocks of a street, sidewalk, or city right-of-way
  • Requests a permit for the issuance of a temporary liquor license

Examples: Smaller musical events, smaller parades, larger runs/walks, etc. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR TIER 2 EVENTS: 60 days prior to the event date

A Tier 3 event is a special event that:

  • Does not include the consumption of alcohol
  • Is stationary, impacts only one block of a sidewalk or city right-of-way that is not a street; and/or only needs a permit issued for temporary street closure
  • Does not need additional City services
  • Is an assembly on City property, lasts less than five hours, and does not include food and beverages or a request to increase the permanent occupancy limit 

Examples: Races with over 250 attendees including fun fairs, expos, and events held on City property

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR TIER 3 EVENTS: 60 days prior to the event date

A Tier 4 event is a special event that:

  • Is an event that is smaller in scale to a Tier 3 event, is stationary, impacts only one block of a sidewalk or a city right-of-way that is not a street; or only needs a permit for a temporary street closure

Examples: Small runs, vehicle exhibits or demonstrations

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR TIER 4 EVENTS: 45 days prior to the event date

A Tier 5 event is for any film production:

  • Any film production that will occur in the City for commercial, not-for-profit, educational or artistic activities shall require a permit.

APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR TIER 5 EVENTS: 30 days prior to the event date

A Tier 6 event is a special event that:

  • Is an assembly or procession, as those terms are defined by this chapter, that requires only basic city support services and does not contemplate the need for traffic control or is not anticipated to interfere with the normal use of public property upon which it occurs. 
  • The sale of goods or services are not permitted at tier 6 events. 
  • As used in this paragraph, "basic city support services" means city services provided through previously scheduled and available personnel and resources or such additional personnel and resources as may be required to protect the event and persons attending from disruption or interference.

Special Event Planning Guide

Before submitting your Special Event Permit Application, please take a moment to review the Special Event Planning Guide.

Special Event Planning Guide

Special Event Permit Application

Special Event Permit Application

A non-refundable application fee of $25.00 will be invoiced following the submission and initial review of the application.

March/Demonstration Application

March/Demonstration Application

Emergency Action Plan

Special Event Permit applicants are required to complete and upload the Special Event Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to their permit application. The Emergency Action Plan can be found in the link below:

Special Event Emergency Action Plan

Other Special Event Documents

City of Aurora SCOPE Plan

COVID-19 Mitigation Plan

Compensation for City Staffing

Depending on the size and type of event, the City may require personnel including Police Department and/or Fire Department staff to work the event. The cost of all City personnel involved during the day(s) of the event will be charged back to the organizing agency. The Aurora Police Department, as well as the City of Aurora, has the authority to adjust the scale of certain aspects of your event in order to provide a safe and secure environment. The event organizer will be notified of approximate costs in advance and a twenty-five percent (25%) deposit is required at least ten (10) days prior to the event. An invoice for the remaining balance will be transmitted to the organizing agency within thirty to forty-five (30-45) working days after the completion of the event. For a chart of costs, see the Planning Guide.

Note: The City of Aurora does not provide amenities such as portable restrooms, sound systems, radios, tables, chairs, tents, or other equipment.