How Lakewood Handles Special Events & Permits: A Practical Guide

Lakewood maintains 126 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with special events & permits. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lakewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Block Party Permits

Lakewood's open-container ban doesn't apply to a public street, alley or sidewalk covered by a block party permit issued by the City Clerk's Office, under Municipal Code § 9.41.020. Because no chapter specifically covers block party permits, the application defaults to the citywide permit process in § 1.04.060: a $25 application fee and a $5 issuance fee.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.41.020. Permit issuer: City Clerk's Office. Application fee: $25.00 (nonreturnable). Issuance fee: $5.00. Default process: § 1.04.060 (no dedicated block party chapter).

Possessing or consuming alcohol in a street, alley or sidewalk without an on-file block party permit is charged as an ordinary open-container violation of Section 9.41.020, carrying the citywide general penalty in Section 1.16.020: a fine of up to $2,650.00, up to 365 days in jail, or both, in Lakewood Municipal Court.

Park Event Permits

Reserving a specific area of a Lakewood, Colorado park, or gathering 25 or more people for any group activity, requires a permit from the Community Resources Director under Municipal Code § 9.32.030.

Key details: Trigger: Reservation or group of 25+. Issued by: Community Resources Director. Review time: ~15 days for findings. Separate track: Indoor room use agreements.

Using or occupying park property under a facility reservation without the required Director permit is a municipal offense subject to the Code's general penalty: up to $2,650 fine and/or up to 365 days imprisonment (Lakewood Municipal Code § 1.16.020(A)).

Parade Permits

Lakewood requires a Director-issued permit for any outdoor rally, meeting or gathering of more than 25 people held for expressive activity in a city park, or for any processional parade.

Key details: Permit trigger: Over 25 people, expressive activity. Also covers: Any processional parade. Lead time: 7 days before event. Issued by: Director, Community Resources Dept..

Holding an unpermitted rally, demonstration or parade of more than 25 people on city park or public property is unlawful under Section 9.32.030(II)(A) and subject to the Code's general penalty in Section 1.16.020(A).

This is one of the stricter rules in Lakewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Street Fair Rules

Anyone organizing a festival, celebration, or organized walking or running event in a Lakewood park or public area needs a permit from the Community Resources Director under Municipal Code § 9.32.030(I)(B)(3). The Director reviews applications, sets fees and conditions, and can revoke the permit for any violation, with no refund.

Key details: Governing law: Lakewood Municipal Code § 9.32.030(I)(B)(3). Covers: festivals, celebrations, organized walks/runs. Application review window: 15 days considered sufficient. Permit conditions: insurance, fees, hours, location. Revocation: no fee refund.

Running a festival, celebration, or organized run or walk in a Lakewood park without a Section 9.32.030(I)(B)(3) permit, or violating the permit's conditions, can lead to on-the-spot permit revocation with no fee refund and prosecution in Municipal Court, since the Director has authority to institute proceedings for Chapter 9.32 violations, subject to the citywide general penalty in Section 1.16.020: up to a $2,650.00 fine or 365 days in jail, or both.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Lakewood actively enforces its street fair rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to special events & permits. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Lakewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Lakewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.