Westminster, CO Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- W.M.C. § 13-2-1 through § 13-2-6
- Trigger
- Public event or 25+ expected attendees
- Filing window
- 45 days to 1 year before event
- Decision deadline
- 14 days after complete application
- Crowd monitors
- 1 per 100 attendees, if police require
- Appeal deadline
- 5 days to City Manager
Summary
Westminster requires a special event permit for any public event on city parks, trails or open space that is open to the public or expected to draw 25 or more people. Applications go to the Parks Director at least 45 days before the event.
The City's community buildings and recreation facilities shall be made available for the exclusive use of persons and groups who have been issued a use permit by the Director... The Director shall also have discretion to grant special event permits for events on City parks, trails and open space that are open to the public or expected to draw 25 or more persons. ... Any person applying for a special event permit hereunder shall file an application for such permit with the Director not less than 45 days nor more than one year prior to the proposed event.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 12).
Full Breakdown
' Under Section 13-2-3(B), an applicant for a special event permit must file with the Director not less than 45 days nor more than one year before the event, though the Director may waive the 45-day window at his or her discretion if the applicant waives appeal rights. The application under Section 13-2-4 must list every sponsor and responsible person with contact information, the location, start and finish times, expected attendance, requested equipment, the nature of the activity including any amplified sound, fees to be collected, and estimated parking needs.
Section 13-2-5(C) lets the Director require one crowd control monitor per 100 expected attendees, with a mandatory one-hour training session run by the Chief of Police's office, if police advise that the event would draw so much police staffing that other parts of the city would be left unprotected. A denied applicant can appeal to the City Manager within five days under Section 13-2-6.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted special event in a park, trail or open space is unlawful under Section 13-2-2, punishable under the general penalty provision applicable to Title XIII. A permit may be revoked for violating its terms under Section 13-2-9, and the Director may deny or revoke a permit for reasons including insufficient facilities, excessive police diversion, false information in the application, or failure to comply with permit conditions, per Section 13-2-5(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade or public event in a Westminster park?
How far in advance must I apply for a Westminster special event permit?
What can I appeal if my special event permit is denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westminster
Compare Westminster to another location·View the Colorado special events & permits overview
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