Special Events Permit

This is a suggested timeline to follow when applying for a special event permit. Depending on the size and scope of your event, it is recommended to submit all special event documentation as early as possible.

Things to Remember:

• The deadline to submit a special event application is 30 days prior to the event date.

• A submitted application does not guarantee approval.
  
  

If a special event permit is needed, you must complete a special event application. There is no application fee, however, if there is a need for city services and/or resources, additional costs may incur.

If your event or activity occurs on property not owned or operated by the City, a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) may be required (see Temporary Use Permit section).

The event organizer must comply with all applicable City Code and State licensure requirements relevant to the event. It is recommended to review the Special Event Manual(PDF, 6MB) and the Special Event Permit Tutorial(PDF, 8MB) prior to submitting an application.

Process to submit an application

Step 1: Complete the Special Event Application(PDF, 402KB).

All special event applications must be received no later than 30 days in advance of the event date. All sections of the application must be complete upon submission with applicable supporting documents attached.

• Application must include narrative, site plans, required insurance certificates, and proof of safe construction and materials, including but not limited to submittal of flame spread certificates for tents. All electric and special features such as cooking areas, fireworks and stage shows will be specified on the site plan.
• For events that require road and/or sidewalk closures, a maintenance of traffic (MOT) must be included and approved by the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. All traffic control signage, barricades, etc. are at the expense of the event organizer. An approved MOT is provided for events on the City Center Front Green.
• Any documentation relevant to the permit application set forth in the Special Event Manual. 
  
  

Step 2: Completed applications can be delivered to the Morgan Family Community Center (6207 W. Price Blvd.) or emailed to SpecialEvents@NorthPortFL.gov. 

Completed applications will be reviewed by all applicable city departments. Depending on the type of event, applicants may be required to obtain additional permits and documentation. At this stage, departments will approve, deny or request more information based on the application. 

Step 3: Once the Special Events Coordinator completes the final review, a permit will be issued that may include certain conditions for which the applicant will be responsible to meet. You will receive an approved special event permit that must be readily available on-site should it be requested. Any major deviations from the approved permit conditions by the applicant or event organizer may result in the event being prohibited in the future or could subject the applicant or event organizer to a fine. 

We recommend that you do not proceed with advertising your event until your event has been approved and you have received your special event permit. 

To ensure a successful event experience, it is recommended to submit your application early. Event organizers are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Special Events Coordinator 90 days prior to the event to discuss event logistics and address any questions or concerns. Please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 941-429-PARK (7275) or email SpecialEvents@NorthPortFL.gov for more information regarding special event permits.

 Resources

• Special Event Application(PDF, 402KB)

• Special Event Manual(PDF, 6MB)

• Special Event Permit Tutorial(PDF, 8MB)

• Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)(PDF, 1MB)

• Fireworks Permit Application(PDF, 497KB)

• Fire and Life Safety Requirements(PDF, 2MB)

• Police Detail Application(PDF, 952KB)

• ULDC - Special Events and Temporary Uses(PDF, 112KB)

The City Commission shall consider on a case-by-case basis special events for which the costs of city fees and or resources are subsidized through a specially funded account. For funding consideration, the event must be held in the City of North Port and meet the criteria for special events as defined in Article X, Section 3.10.1 of the Unified Land Development Code and in the Special Events Assistance Program Guidelines(PDF, 219KB). A special event permit is not required at the time of application for assistance. However, if an issued special event permit is required for the event and you must follow the guidelines for the special event permitting process.

Please note that facility reservations for special events applying for the Special Events Assistance Program will only be processed upon receiving the special event application and full payment of the refundable deposit.

To be eligible for funding any North Port based entity or organization may apply to the program if the following apply:

• Event must be open to the public
• Event must be FREE to the public for admission. Fees may be charged for participants, such as competitors or vendors
• Event must demonstrate primary benefit to the community at large
• Event estimated attendance must be a minimum of 100 people to be eligible for the program

The amount of funding requested may be approved partially, fully or not at all based on the number of applications or funding ability. The entity or organization can apply for multiple events in a calendar year. If approved, the amount awarded will be applied to the actual cost of City fees and or resources associated with the special event up to the approved amount and the applicant is responsible for the difference, if any.

Events not eligible include private parties and functions, political events, or any event deemed by the City as inappropriate or inconsistent with the best interests of the City or as prohibited by law.

Applying is easy. Download the Special Events Assistance Application(PDF, 247KB), complete and submit to SpecialEvents@NorthPortFL.gov or deliver to the Parks & Recreation Department, located at the Morgan Family Community Center (6207 W. Price Blvd.). For questions, please call 941-429-PARK (7275).

Applications for the Special Events Assistance Program are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least 45 days prior to the event taking place. This allows for an adequate time to review and seek approval of the application.

A temporary use is defined in Article X, Section 3.10.2 of the Unified Land Development Code as any structure or event held on private property that is of a non-permanent nature. A temporary use permit may be authorized for up to 90-days from the date of issue. Some examples of allowable temporary uses are Christmas tree sales, pumpkin sales, automobile and boat sales.

• Temporary Use Application(PDF, 524KB)(PDF, 388KB)

 Applications for Temporary Uses are strongly encouraged to be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event taking place. This allows for an adequate review and time to draft the permit. Applications turned in less than 2 weeks prior to an event are not guaranteed to be processed and a permit issued before the event taking place.

The City is responsible for creating, posting, monitoring, and removing information from its website and/or social media channels. To provide a non-public forum where an authorized user can request the posting of information on the City's website and/or social media channels the Administrative Policy Promotion of Third Party on City Channels defines what may be submitted for placement.

The City will only accept submissions to be posted on the City's website and/or social media channels from authorized users. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet at least one of the categories before they can be deemed an authorized user. Renting or utilizing a City-owned property or facility is not an authorized user requirement.

Would you like your content shared on our social media platform and the website? Submit a social media/website posting request.

We welcome and encourage partnerships that enhance the quality of life for city residents and that support the City’s mission and strategic goals. It is the our intent to prioritize partnership opportunities with North Port based individuals, businesses, as well as non-profit entities and organizations whose missions and services align with the mission and values of the City.

If you would like to apply for a City Partnership, please complete the our Partnership Applications(PDF, 339KB)
New city events must meet the following requirements:

• Align with the City’s mission and support one or more of the City’s strategic priorities;
• Have an identifiable and specific public purpose;
• Provide an unmet service or benefit to City residents at large;
• Not duplicate or compete with an existing City event;
• Result in direct costs being offset through event participant fees and charges; and
• Result in net revenue being equally shared between the City and Partner.

Please note no partnership application will be accepted where the partnership will be used by the applicant in furtherance of fundraising activities.

Partnership applications will be accepted annually from Jan. 15 through March 15 for consideration and possible inclusion in the budget for the following fiscal year. Applications submitted outside this timeframe will be reviewed and considered based on available funds. For more information, review the Administrative Policy for Partnerships(PDF, 184KB)  or call 941-429-PARK (7275).