Special Event Permits

Complete applications may be submitted online or at the Department of Public Information, Busch Municipal Building, 840 N. Boonville, Springfield, Mo. 65802.

A complete application will include: All pages of the application with original signatures; all applicable documentation, including Certificate of Liability Insurance and Hold Harmless Agreement (if event is on public property) and a site map.

Applications are reviewed by the City Event Committee, a group representing various City departments, to make sure the event details fall within the City of Springfield code and compliance along with safety regulations. Organizers who follow the guidelines should receive a response with details about what requirements must be met for your specific event within 10 business days. Organizers who follow the guidelines and submit all required paperwork should receive a response no later than 45 days after submission of their application.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, applications are due at least 60 days prior to event date. Those applications are reviewed by City staff within 10 business days. All completed paperwork is due 30 days prior to event date. Those failing to meet this deadline will receive a permit denial. Please note that our special event permit coordinator is available to you throughout the entire process. If you are having difficulties meeting the requirements, please let us know so we can help you address any challenges.

Your site plan should include: boundaries of the event (footprint), locations of electrical equipment, emergency access, stages, grandstands, booths, fencing, alcohol service areas, food vendor locations, recycle/trash receptacles, ADA pathways, parking and street barricades. Event planners are required to provide and place their own barricades.

Dependent upon the details of the event, there may be a need for additional permits. Upon review of your completed application, the City Event Committee will determine if additional permits are needed and provide applicants with that information within 10 business days of receiving a complete application.

Yes. If you would like to hold an event that crosses jurisdictional boundaries, you will have to complete applications for each jurisdiction you encounter. This is also true for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for use of parks and/or trails and Missouri Department of Transportation.

City Council has deferred the adoption of a fee schedule for special event application permits until 2018. There are fees, however, associated with hosting an event, depending on the nature of the event. Examples include additional permits and licenses required, such as tent permits, City business licenses, catering/picnic liquor licenses. Events requiring extra duty police officers also incur charges and additional worker’s compensation coverage. Events taking place in Parks and the Springfield Expo Center grassy lot, require rental fees and contract agreements.

The City's Special Event Ordinance can be found online. Event organizers may also contact the Department of Public Information for additional information.