El Paso, TX Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

030 gives city council authority to grant permits, licenses, leases, concessions, or contracts for activities such as sales, amusement devices, tents, and camping in city parks, so long as the arrangement does not unlawfully surrender the city's supervision, stays consistent with park purposes, and does not unreasonably interfere with public enjoyment of the park. For shorter, everyday reservations, the department director can issue temporary permits directly for conducting the same activities, allowing temporary concessions without an existing concessionaire contract, or authorizing temporary use of identifiable portions of a park.

In deciding whether to grant a temporary permit, the director must weigh whether the space is already reserved for the same time, whether the requested hours would unduly inconvenience other users or neighborhood residents, and whether the proposed use is compatible with park purposes. Applicants must be at least eighteen, or twenty-one if alcohol is included, must carry the permit at the event, and are personally responsible for their guests' conduct and for cleanup: the city will bill the permittee for cleaning costs it performs if litter is left behind, due within ten days.

Fees are set at council-established amounts, and other city requirements, like health permits or business licenses, still apply. A denied applicant can appeal in writing within ten days; the appeals official (the city manager or a designee) must hold a hearing within five business days and rule within five more, with a further right of appeal to city council.