Special Event Permits & Fees

NOTICE: All event permitting is being conducted according to local, state, and/or federal COVID-19 orders, regulations, laws, policies, and/or guidelines (collectively, "COVID-19 regulatory requirements"). It is the applicant’s responsibility to understand how all COVID-19 regulatory requirements may impact their event, including restrictions on gathering sizes. Interested applicants should be prepared to provide event plans that meet all COVID-19 regulatory requirements, with the understanding that these requirements are subject to change before or at the time of the event. Applicants are also required to submit a Summit County Physical Distancing Protocol form in addition to the standard permit application. Failure to comply with current COVID-19 regulatory requirements may endanger your ability to host future events.

Interested applicants should thoroughly review all State and Local COVID-19 regulatory requirements prior to submitting an application.

Any event that expects to use county services (i.e., emergency / ambulance services or law enforcement) or expects to impact any county right-of-way, and has 50 or more participants at any one time is required to complete the enclosed Special Event Permit Application. A special event permit allows for the occurrence of an event for a short duration on property that is the county's responsibility. Examples of special events are community fairs, bicycle or Nordic ski races, and art festivals.

Permit Resources


A Dillon Reservoir Recreation Area (DRReC) Special Use Application is also available for events that will take place on or will travel across DRReC property. DRReC Events Information.

ProCycling challenge

Explanation of Special Event Permit Fees

Special events impact Summit County facilities, such as the Recpath, natural surface trails and trailheads, as well as displacing or otherwise impacting other users of these facilities. Fees collected cover the costs of staff time administering the permits and help offset the costs and impacts of these events on County resources and facilities.

 

Fee Schedule

As outlined in the Fee Schedule, the special event permit fee is based on three criteria which are all added together for a total permit fee:

Application Fee (Table 1): All applicants are required to pay an application fee at time of application to cover staff time associated with initial reviews and referrals.

  • Tier 1: $100.00 if the applicant is a tax exempt local non-profit organization or local government.  
  • Tier 2: $200 for all tax exempt non-profit organizations that did not meet the criteria in Tier 1
  • Tier 3: $300 for all other organizations that do not meet Tier 1 or 2 criteria and are a profitable organization
Event Fee (Table 2): This fee is based on the organization and number of participants.
  • Tier 1: $.50 per participant for each entry if the applicant is a tax exempt local non-profit organization or local government
  • Tier 2: $1.00 per participant for each entry if the applicant is a tax exempt non-profit organization that does not meet the criteria in Tier 1
  • Tier 3: $1.50 per participant for each entry for all organizations that do not meet Tier 1 or 2 criteria and for profit businesses
Additional Fees (Table 3): Additional Fees are assessed based on the use of County services by the event, and are coordinated with the applicable departments based upon their referral comments. For example, Ambulance may charge a fee for stand-by coverage. If an event requests the closure of a trailhead, parking lot, etc. to the general public, an additional fee of $50 per hour will be charged, not to exceed $400 per day.