Lee's Summit, MO Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

The UDO's Division V special-events chapter defines an 'entertainment event' as 'an organized event having as its primary purpose the entertainment or amusement of a group of people, including but not limited to: Carnivals, festivals, public firework displays, fairs, or concerts, on public or private property within the corporate limits' (Sec. 1520). Sec. 1530(A) requires a Special Event Permit for 'Entertainment event[s]' and separately for 'All special events which include street vendors to be located on public right-of-way,' so a festival with food or craft vendors on a closed street triggers the permit on two independent grounds.

Applicants must file at least 20 calendar days before the event start date (Sec. 1560(B)) and submit a narrative describing hours, anticipated attendance, signage, a recycling plan and proof of liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured (Sec. 1560(C)). An application fee applies under the City's Schedule of Fees and Charges, plus a fee for City services such as traffic control if the Director determines they are needed (Sec. 1550). Under the duration table at Sec. 1570(F)(5), an entertainment event is capped at seven days unless permit conditions extend it, and off-street parking used for the event is capped at 20 percent of the parking stalls required for the associated structure (Sec.

1570(J)(2)). The Director may approve, deny or condition the permit; a denial can be appealed to the City Council within ten days by filing with the City Clerk (Sec. 1590(B)).