Special Events Permit - Roads

A Special Event Permit is required whenever an event uses a road in unincorporated Boulder County. Events may include, but are not limited to:

• bicycle races or group rides of more than 50 people
• foot races or walks or walks of more than 50 people
• motor vehicle events
• block parties
• parades
• filming requests

Special Event Permits ensure that all events protect the health, safety, and welfare of event participants, the traveling public, and citizens.

View the Special Event Regulations adopted by the Board of County Commissioners on March 23, 2023.

Permits within city limits are issued by the respective cities. Contact information for municipal permits is available in the Special Events Guide.

Submittal Deadlines:

• Filming Requests – Seven (7) days prior to filming date
• Block Parties – 14 days prior to party
• All Others – At least 60 days prior to the event date, but no more than 364 days prior to the event

Please note that late applications may be subject to additional fees.

The Board of County Commissioners approved a new tier-based fee schedule on March 23, 2023. All applications will be reviewed by the Special Events Coordinator and fees will be assessed based on the applicable tier.

Application fees are due at application submittal and are non-refundable. Performance deposits are due at permit issuance and are refunded so long as all conditions of the permit are met.

View the current fee schedule for special event permits.

Fees are waived for government entities, one-day filming requests, and block parties at the discretion of the Special Event Coordinator.

In general, the following must be submitted:

• A completed application
• Payment of application fees
• Site plan or route map of the event
• Operations and communications plan
• Medical/Emergency response plan
• Traffic control/transportation plan
• Notification plan

Additional items may be required depending on the size and scale of the event. For more information, please consult the Boulder County Transportation Special Event Permit Guide, or contact the Special Events Coordinator at se@bouldercounty.gov.

Yes, for most events. Please consult the Boulder County Transportation Special Event Permit Guide for more information.

Block parties are not required to have insurance.

Special Events are required to give advance notifications via three primary means:

• Written notification to adjacent property owners
• Advance signing notifications along the event route or at the event location at least seven (7) days prior to the event
• Written notification to the fire protection district at least 14 days prior to the event

For more information, consult the Boulder County Transportation Special Event Permit Guide.

In general, the following must be submitted for filming requests:

• A completed special event permit application
• If exceeding one day, required application fees and performance deposit
• Map of the filming area(s)
• Operations plan describing the setup and duration of the filming
• Traffic control/transportation plan
• Notification plan
• Certificate of insurance
• If drones are used, additional insurance and drone operator’s license (FAA Part 1007)

Additional items may be required depending on the size and scale of the media request. For more information, contact the Special Events Coordinator at se@bouldercounty.gov.

The following must be submitted for block parties:

• A completed special events permit application
• Map clearly showing the streets to be closed
• Description of barricades to be used
• Narrative of how residents and fire districts are to be informed, if restrooms are available, if live/amplified music will be played, and if alcohol will be served

For more information, consult the Boulder County Special Event Block Party Requirements or contact the Special Events Coordinator at se@bouldercounty.gov.

Events on private property are subject to the Group Gathering/Special Events use under Article 4-517 (D) of the Boulder County Land Use Code:

• For more information about Group Gathering Permits requirements, contact the Special Events Coordinator at se@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-441-3906.
• Apply For A Group Gathering Permit

Special Event Liquor Permits are issued by the Boulder County Liquor Licensing Authority.

For more information, visit the Boulder County Liquor License website, email the Boulder County Liquor Licensing Authority at liquorlicensing@bouldercounty.gov, or call 303-441-3930.

Need some help before submitting your application for a Special Event Permit? Our Special Event Guide can help answer questions about required materials and expectations. View the Boulder County Transportation Special Event Permit Guide, or use the links below to jump to what you’re looking for:

• Permit Guide: Applying for a Special Event Permit
• Permit Guide: Special Event Permit Process
• Permit Guide: Permit Conditions
• Permit Guide: Event Sponsors/Organizer
• Permit Guide: Event Summary
• Permit Guide: Locations and Route Planning
  • Site Plan/Route Map
  • Boundaries and Routes
  • Event Infrastructure
  • Event Operations
  • Narrative
• Permit Guide: Insurance Requirements
  • Sample Certificate
• Permit Guide: Public and Agency Notification
  • Written Notification
  • Newspaper Notification
  • Advance Signing
  • Agency Notification
• Permit Guide: Operations Plan
  • Safety and Security Plan
  • Traffic Control Plan
  • Transportation Plan
  • Medical Plan
  • Communication Plan
  • Emergency Response Plan
  • Sanitation Plan
  • Accessibility
• Permit Guide: Special Event Related Permits, Licenses, and Leases
  • Municipal Permits
  • Adjacent County Permits
• Permit Guide: Post Event Activities

For additional questions, please email the Special Events Coordinator at se@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-441-3906 with questions or concerns.