Dothan, AL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Article XVIII of Chapter 18 defines a special event as an occasion meant to attract a large crowd, on public or private property, running ten days or less, including festivals, contests, races, art shows and trade shows. Sec. 18-523 requires the event sponsor to pay a $100.00 fee and obtain a special event business license, applying separately for each event whether it is for-profit or not. Sec. 18-524 requires the sponsor to carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000.00 per occurrence and $2,000,000.00 aggregate, plus $500,000.00 for damage to rented premises, naming the city as additionally insured.

Sec. 18-525 requires the sponsor to submit a complete vendor listing and a map showing each vendor's location at least 14 calendar days before the event, alongside the license application and proof of insurance. Sec. 18-526 requires each individual vendor to separately file a license application, proof of an Alabama sales tax number, a letter of consent from the sponsor, and, for any food vendor, a food permit from the Houston County Health Department. Sec. 18-522 requires sponsors to separately check with the Dothan Police Department for any needed assembly or parade permit, with the permitting office for a tent or building permit, and to coordinate with Leisure Services for park use and the Dothan Fire Department for fire approval.

Sec. 18-529 sets a per-vendor license fee of $50.00 per calendar year, and Sec. 18-531 caps event length at a minimum of one day and a maximum of ten days, concluding by 10:00 p.m., unless the city manager authorizes otherwise.