Welcome to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) Business and Professional Licensing Administration Special Events Unit.
To ensure public safety, in cooperation with numerous federal and local government agencies, all special events are licensed through the DLCP. Special events (e.g., street festivals, health fairs, circuses, live performances, public lectures, etc.) may take place on private or public property. A consent list with signatures of 75% of the resident housekeepers and occupants of business establishments within a prescribed distance is required.
Pre-Licensing Information
Special events can occur on private or public property. If a street closure is required for the event, applicants must submit a Letter of Intent to the Mayor’s Special Events Task Force Group (MSETG), which is chaired by the DC Homeland Security Emergency and Management Agency. The written request must be submitted no later than 180 days prior to the event, and as early as up to one year prior to the proposed date of the event. Refer to the MSETG Special Events Planning Guide for more information.
Licensing Fees
- License Duration: 1-10 days
- License Fee: $205.00 per day up to ten consecutive days
- Application Fee: $70.00
- Endorsement Fee: $25.00
- 10% Technology Fee: $30.00 (varies per number of days)
- Total Fee: $330.00 (varies per number of days)
License Application
All applicants must complete and submit the Special Event Application Questionnaire no later than 60 days prior to the date of the proposed event. The information submitted will aid in providing applicants with the exact steps and fees required to obtain licensure.
Additional Application Requirements
A consent list with signatures of 75% of the resident housekeepers and occupants of business establishments within a prescribed distance is required for licensure. Based on the information supplied in the above application, a map and list of addresses from which consent is required will be supplied to the applicant.
Additionally, If the special event includes any temporary structures (e.g., stages, tents, fencing, or bleachers), the applicant must submit a Special Event Permit Application/Building Permit Application. On the event date, the site will be inspected and must be approved by structural, electrical, and fire safety inspectors before taking place.
Apply for a Special Events License
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