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Special Events & Permits in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)

3 verified special events & permits rules for Sterling Heights, Michigan, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Park Event Permits

Sterling Heights requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director before hosting organized recreational activities, festivals or extended-hours events in any city park.

Sterling Heights Park Event Permit

Some Restrictions

Sterling Heights, MI Code of Ordinances § 38-38(A)-(B)

A permit shall be obtained from the city before participating in specialized, organized recreational activities, musical festivals, extension of park hours and any other reason which shall be deemed necessary for a permit in accordance with subsequent rules and regulations.    (B)   A person seeking issuance of a permit hereunder shall file an application with the Director. The application shal...

Street Fair Rules

Street fairs, festivals, and carnivals in Sterling Heights need a City Clerk license and City Manager temporary-use approval, filed at least 60 days ahead, before any vendor booth or ride can open.

Sterling Heights Street Fair & Carnival Permits

Significant Restrictions

Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 13A-3

Any sponsor of a carnival shall obtain temporary use approval by the City Manager and a license from the City Clerk to promote a carnival to be held within the city. An application for a license to promote a carnival shall be submitted in writing to the City Clerk not less than 60 days before the proposed opening date of the carnival. (Ord. No. 318, § 1, 12-6-94) ** 13A-4. APPLICATION PROCEDURE...

Sidewalk Dining & Cafés

Sterling Heights requires a City Clerk license for outdoor patio spaces (sidewalk cafes) that are enclosed, open late, exceed 100 sq ft, use amplified sound, or serve alcohol.

Outdoor Patio Space License in Sterling Heights

Some Restrictions

Sterling Heights Code of Ordinances § 12-47

An OPS must be licensed by the city if it falls within any of the following categories: (A) The OPS is defined by a perimeter of walls, fencing, trees, shrubbery, or any other design that restricts ingress and egress from the OPS, and the OPS is larger than 100 square feet... (D) Any form of amplified sound is transmitted on, in, from, or through the OPS.

Looking for Macomb County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sterling Heights city rules.

Special Events & Permits in Macomb County