Applying for a Special Event

To initiate the planning process for your special event, complete the Special Event Application. This application will be distributed to relevant departments to ensure a smooth planning process.

Schedule a free event planning meeting to review details and learn the guidelines and requirements for your specific event. Email your request to ehealth@amarillo.gov or call 806-378-9472. 

Fill out the Special Event Application completely.

◾ Special Event Application

Six Steps for Special Events

Follow these guidelines to ensure your event is safe and well-organized, with a focus on public safety.

Special Events Overview

Depending on the type of event you are planning, various departments have different roles and requirements. Below is a list of common types of events along with their typical requirements and the departments that are involved. 

Each event is unique and can be charged fees bases upon the services used.

Public Gatherings and Celebrations

Requirements: Obtain necessary permits, safety plans, and food handling approvals 30 days before a run/walk, parade, caravan or festival. Other types of events should apply two weeks in advance.
Departments: Environmental Health, Building Safety, Fire Marshal, Parks and Recreation

• Building Safety Permits — MGO Connect (Registration required)
  Learn more about MGO Connect.
  • Tents 200+ square feet or more (two tents connected count as one)
  • Hardwired temporary electrical service
  • Signage external to event
  • Note: Generators must be GFCI protected
• Fire Marshal Operational Permit is required for the following:
  • Mobile Food Unit Permits (annual inspector and temporary)
  • Temp Membrane Structures, Tents, and Canopies larger than 400 sq ft
  • Exhibits, Trade Shows, Carnivals, Fairs, or any other event expecting greater than 2,500 attendees per day or hosting more than 11 cooking locations per day
    • Additional personnel may be required for event
  • Flame Effect
• Park Permit- Rules & Regulations
• Sight Restriction Flyer
• Temporary Food Establishment Checklist
• Temporary Food Establishment Permit Application
  
• Temporary Street Closure
• If at or near airport:
  • Airport Special Event Application

Festivals and Fairs

Requirements: Submit festival application, street closure petition, map of event location, traffic control plan map, Certificate of Liability Insurance, security plans, and food establishment permits a minimum of 30 days before the event. 
Managing Departments: Environmental Health, Fire Marshal, Parks and Recreation, City Management

• Festival Application
• Property Owners Petition for Street Closure
• Sight Restriction Flyer

Parades, Fun Runs, and Caravans 

Requirements: Secure street closures, permits, maps, list vendors (with locations), and crowd management strategies a minimum of 30 days before the event

Managing Departments: Parks and Recreation, Traffic, Police Department, Fire Marshal

• Parade/Run Application
• Sight Restriction Flyer
• Temporary Street Closure

Food Truck Events

Requirements: Food safety permits, inspections, and compliance with health codes 
Departments: Environmental Health, Fire Marshal

• Environmental Health Mobile Food Establishment Guidelines
• Temporary Food Establishment Application
• Fire Marshal Operational Permit
• Fire Marshal Food Truck Safety Guidelines

• Fire Marshal Food Truck Inspection Request

Block Parties

Requirements: Block Party application and street closure petition, map, vendor list (with locations), and a permit fee a minimum of 14 days before the event. 
Departments: Traffic, Police Department, Fire Marshal

• Block Party Application
• Property Owners Petition for Street Closure

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Department Responsibilities Overview

Airport — Handles special event applications for events held at the airport or in the vicinity of the airport, ensuring compliance with security and operational guidelines.

Building Safety — Reviews and issues permits related to construction and temporary structures for special events.

Environmental Health — Ensures public health and safety compliance, particularly for food-related events.

Fire Marshal — Reviews event plans for fire and life safety and issues permits as necessary.
Contact: firemarshalreview@amarillo.gov or 806-378-4238

Parks and Recreation — Manages the use of public parks and facilities for events, including reservations and guidelines. Their athletics staff oversee sporting events and ensures compliance with safety and operational standards.

Traffic — Manages traffic control and safety during events to ensure smooth flow and public safety.
Contact: trafficeventpermits@amarillo.gov 

Transit — The Transit Department addresses any impact on transit routes and services during special events, aiming to ensure public transportation options remain accessible with minimal or no disruption to passengers.

Invite city departments that provide community outreach/programs to your event.

• Fire Department
• Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
  email Director of Emergency Management: max.dunlap@amarillo.gov
• Public Health
• Public Library
  email Coordinator of PR and Programming: stacy.clopton@amarillolibrary.org
• Amarillo City Transit
  email ACT: transitadministrators@amarillo.gov
• Water Utilities
  email: everydropcounts@amarillo.gov

Special Events FAQs