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Special Event Permits

Larimer County government upholds and advances the community's health, safety, well-being and quality of life. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the beautiful outdoor Parks, Open Spaces, Trails, Roads, and Private Properties to host and participate in special events throughout the County. 

Whether you are putting together a cycling or running event, an event utilizing one of our parks or open spaces, or hosting an event on private property, our staff is here to help. Community Development staff act as a liaison between the applicant, the reviewing agencies, and reviewing county departments throughout the process. We will meet with the applicant prior to the submission of the special event application to review the event information and required documentation.

The pre-application review ensures that a complete application is submitted and helps expedite the review process. We are available to answer questions, provide resources, and coordinate meetings.

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Larimer County has three types of permitted special events, depending on where the event will be held: County Road Special Events, Private Land Events, and Parks and Open Land Special Events

County Road Special Events

A County Road Special Event is considered to be: a bicycle race or ride; foot race or walk; a motored vehicle event; a temporary road closure for purposes other than normal highway uses; or any other event utilizing a Larimer County road, right-of-way, or other county property that requires changing, restricting, or adapting the normal traffic use of such a road. The purpose of the special event permit is to ensure that any changes, restrictions, or adaptations, resulting from such an event are managed in a safe, prudent, and legal manner in order to protect the health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the traveling public and citizens of Larimer County. A County Road Special Event shall be any event which has 50 or more participants or vehicles.

A special event occurring on any Larimer County road, right-of-way, or other county property is required to obtain a Special Event Permit pursuant to Article IV, Special Events, Chapter 50, Roads and Bridges of the Larimer County Code of Ordinances.  This permit is governed by the Resolution Establishing Special Event Permit Requirements For Larimer County Roads. The Sheriff's Office and Colorado State Patrol will require at least a partial lane closure and traffic diversion plan for racing events where participants will be disregarding the rules of the road (such as blowing stop signs or crossing over the lane divider lines). Note: Applicants should be aware that separate permits may be required for use of municipal, state or federal roads.

Private Land Special Events

A Private Land Special Event is the temporary use of land, buildings, or structures for a gathering of any size, at any location, for any purpose. A permit shall be required for any special event on property where it is anticipated that the overall attendance will exceed 40 people. This permit is governed by the Larimer County Land Use Code - Article 7.0 - Special Events.

Parks and Open Land Special Events

A Parks and Open Land Special Event is defined as any event or activity taking place in Department of Natural Resources areas that may require special planning or scheduling, may significantly impact natural and cultural resources, or may significantly impact departmental values, norms, liabilities, and/or visitor expectations. This permit is governed by departmental policy DNR-08 Special Activities on Larimer County Parks and Open Spaces Properties. Visit the Department of Natural Resources Special Use Permits website for more information about Group Programs, Photography & Film Permits, and Weddings.

 

Pre-Application Meeting

The first step is to contact us at specialevents@co.larimer.co.us with the following information:

  1. Date(s) of the event
  2. Time(s) of the event
  3. Location of the event
  4. Number of Attendees
  5. Type of Event
  6. Detailed Event Description

If it is deemed that a Special Event Permit is required, we will work with you to schedule a meeting to discuss the process, go over the application, the submittal deadline, and what information will be required for your specific event.

Submit the Application

You must submit all required documents and a completed application no later than the submittal deadline discussed in your pre-application meeting. When you are ready to submit, send everything to specialevents@co.larimer.co.us

Staff will review the application within two business days. If the application is deemed complete, it will be routed for review. If the application is not complete, you will be contacted with a list of outstanding items and further instructions.

Review Period

Depending on the type and size of the event, the review period may take between 30 and 60 days to review. During the review, if a reviewer requires more information, you will be notified. Once all reviews are complete, a final determination will be made.

Approval or Denial

You will be notified of the final determination of the Special Event Permit application. If approved, you will receive an email with the permit, which may contain conditions of approval and reviewer comments. If denied, you will receive an email explaining the denial. It is imperative that the event takes place exactly as described in the application and that all conditions of approval are met. Failure to comply with the conditions of approval for a specific special event permit may cause future special event permit applications from either being accepted, being denied, or cause the need for stricter conditions. Non-compliance includes, but is not limited to: not following the approved route(s), extending the time of the event, having more participants than approved, and overall coordination of the event.

 

2024 Special Event Fee Schedule

All Larimer County Special Events require event insurance, which must be approved by the Risk Management Department during their review of the application. Detailed information can be found on their Special Event Insurance Information website.

2024 Special Event Blackout Dates Calendar at Horsetooth Reservoir

County Road 38E and County Road 23 

Memorial Day Weekend

  • Friday, May 24th - Monday, May 27th

Father's Day Weekend and Juneteenth

  • Saturday, June 15th - Wednesday, June 19th

Weekend in June

  • Saturday, June 29th - Sunday, June 30th

4th of July

  • Wednesday, July 3rd - Sunday, July 7th

Weekend in July

  • Saturday, July 20th - Sunday, July 21st

Weekend in August

  • Saturday, August 10th - Sunday, August 11th

Labor Day Weekend

  • Friday, August 30th - Monday, September 2nd

FAQs

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  1. The first step is to contact us at specialevents@co.larimer.co.us with the following information:

    1. Date(s) of the event

    2. Time(s) of the event

    3. Location of the event

    4: Number of Attendees

    5. Type of Event

    6. Detailed Event Description

    If it is deemed that a Special Event Permit is required, we will work with you to schedule a meeting to discuss the process, go over the application, the submittal deadline, and what information will be required for your specific event.

  2. If alcohol will be served at the event, then the application will be routed to the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder's office for their approval. You will be required fill out their Special Event Liquor Permit Application, provide them with additional documents, and pay them an additional fee. Visit their Special Event Liquor Permits website for details.