Special Event Permit

$40 fee: One-time Special Event (No more than 4 events in a year)

$400 fee: Recurring Special Event (More than 4 events per year, but less than 14)

Please Note: Annual events that take place once a year are considered one-time events.

To ensure the applicant and City are covered, the City of Grand Prairie requires the following insurance coverage for special events based on risk of event:

• General Liability coverage of $1,000,000.00 per occurrence
• Auto Liability coverage with a minimum at the statutory limits
• If serving liquor at the event: Provide a minimum $1,000,000 Liquor Liability additional policy
• For all policies: City of Grand Prairie must be named as the Certificate Holder, listed as an Additional Insured, and include a Waiver of Subrogation.
• If amusements rides are at the event: Provide the vendor's insurance certificate with the applicant named as an Additional Insured.

An example Certificate of Insurance is attached below for your reference:

Example of Insurance(PDF, 1MB) 

Please note: Applications CANNOT be approved without the proper insurance coverage.

Please create a computer-generated site map including the following elements:

• Indicate existing & proposed structures on event property (i.e., buildings, tents, rides, food trucks, concession stands, stages, signs, portable toilets, barricades, bounce houses, booths, screens, etc.)
• Indicate nearby streets, entrance & exit routes, travel routes (for parades, runs, and drive-thru's), & road closures (if applicable)
• Indicate guest parking, check-in/registration, & other relevant areas
• Include labels, symbols/icons, & a legend on the map

Example event site plans are attached below for your reference:

Example Site Plan 1(PDF, 8MB)

Example Site Plan 2(PDF, 6MB)

Once your application is submitted, OEM will contact the applicant if the following permits, documentation, or approvals are necessary for your event.

Temporary Structure Permit (If applicable)

For any event that will construct enclosed structures in excess of 400 sq. ft. or structures in excess of 700 sq. ft. with open sides, please complete and submit a Temporary Structure Permit application under the Building Inspections Department. This permit is needed to complete the Special Event application process.

• Click “Apply”
• Search for “Building Commercial - Commercial Miscellaneous” application and click “apply”
• Register for an account (create a username and password) to begin the application
• In the application: Include all documentation for your tents used at the event, size/dimensions of the tents, event location, and Special Event name
• Once you complete and submit the application, you will be able to login at any time and view the progress of your application review

Submittal questions for this permit can be directed to 972-237-8230

Temporary Food Permit (If applicable)

Temporary food and beverage vendors/distributors at your Special Event are required to complete and submit a Temporary Food Permit application under our Public Health & Environmental Quality Department. Please visit the Temporary Food Establishment Permit page for more information and to apply.

Submittal questions for this permit can be directed to 972-237-8055

Flame Certification and/or Site Inspection (If applicable)

Flame certificates may be required by the Fire Marshal’s Office based on the size of tents used at your event.

If applicable, applicants can contact the following departments to schedule an event inspection:

• Fire Department: 972-237-8312
• Building Inspections Department: 972-237-8230

Parks, Arts, & Recreation Department Approval (If applicable)

If you indicate on your application that your event will take place at a City park, OEM will send your application to the Parks & Recreation Department for their review & approval before issuing the permit.