Special Events & Permits in Arvada, CO (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Arvada, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Arvada requires a Temporary Use Special Event Permit for any gathering, including a residential block party, that expects more than 100 attendees at once, uses amplified sound or lighting, sets up temporary structures beyond canopies and tables, or needs traffic control such as closing a street. Permits run for up to 14 days unless the Director extends that window.
Arvada Special Event / Street Closure Permit
Some RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code § 3-1-4-8
B.Permit Required. A temporary use special event permit is required for an event that:1.Is expected to have more than 100 attendees at any one time;2.Involves amplification (of music or speech) and/or lighting;3.Involves temporary structures (other than canopies and tables) or amusement rides; or4.Involves traffic control.C.Permitted Locations. A special event permit may authorize a special eve...
Park Event Permits
City Code § 66-61 requires a $15.00 permit before any group may consume 3.2 fermented malt beverages at one of Arvada's designated park pavilions, limited to the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and issued by the Director of Parks, Golf and Hospitality Services.
Arvada Park Group Beer Permit
Some RestrictionsArvada City Code § 66-61
(a)There is hereby imposed a $15.00 permit fee for groups of people who consume 3.2 fermented malt beverages in any public park facility in the city.(b)Consumption of 3.2 fermented malt beverages by permit issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section is limited to the following public park facilities in the city: Pioneer Pavilion, North Jeffco West Park, Allen House Pavilion, Oak Park, Oak...
Parade Permits
Any Arvada public event, including a parade, that might violate the noise chapter needs a permit from the city manager unless it qualifies as a zoning-code 'special event,' in which case Section 5.17 of the Zoning Ordinance governs; only the Harvest Festival Parade is exempt from applying.
Arvada Parade and Public Event Noise Permit
Significant RestrictionsArvada City Code § 38-64
(a)An application for a permit to hold a public event which may violate the provisions of this chapter and which does not constitute a special event, as that term is defined by the provisions of the Arvada Zoning Ordinance, shall be made to the city manager or his duly authorized representative. Such permit shall be valid only at the specific times, dates, and conditions noted in the permit. An...
Street Fair Rules
Vendors and entertainers at an authorized Arvada street fair or festival do not need the standalone transient merchant license. The code exempts vending and entertainment tied to a City-authorized special event, and specifically exempts recurring festivals in Olde Town Arvada such as the Harvest Festival, though a temporary use or other permit can still apply.
Arvada Street Fair Vendor Exemption
Light RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code § 3-1-4-11.B.2
2.Exceptions. The following are exempt from the temporary use permit requirement that is specific to transient merchants or entertainment, but may require a temporary use permit, or other permit, pursuant to other provisions of this Code, the City Code, or the City Charter:a.Sidewalk sales or similarly-described outdoor sales conducted by an existing business adjacent to its retail operation, w...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Arvada allows sidewalk cafes only in Olde Town, where outdoor dining can spill onto the public sidewalk or plaza under a revocable right-of-way license the City must approve. Everywhere else, LDC Section 5-1-6-3 confines outdoor dining to the same setback as the building itself and keeps it at least 100 feet from any RA or RN residential zoning district.
Arvada Sidewalk Cafe & Outdoor Dining Rules
Some RestrictionsArvada Land Development Code Section 5-1-6-3.B-C, Outdoor Storage, Retail Display, and Outdoor Dining Areas
5-1-6-3. - Outdoor storage, retail display, and outdoor dining areas. ... B.Location. ... 3.Outdoor retail display and outdoor dining areas shall not be located within 100 feet of a RA or RN zoning district.4.No outdoor retail display may be located on a required parking area except for approved temporary outdoor sales.5.No outdoor retail may be located on a required landscape area.C.Setbacks.1...
Looking for Jefferson County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arvada city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Jefferson County →