Smithtown, NY Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Chapter 119 defines a 'special event' as any outdoor entertainment involving tents, booths or temporary structures, expressly including carnivals, circuses, fairs, bazaars, menageries and sideshows, typically featuring rides, exhibitions of skill, animal exhibitions or games (§ 119-1B). Section 119-2 flatly prohibits all special events in the Town unless the Town Board approves them in writing, and any approved event may only run once the Town Clerk issues a permit based on a verified written application filed at least 60 days before the event by an officer of the sponsoring organization.

Section 119-3 spells out the application: a certificate of public liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit naming the Town as additional insured and noncancellable without 15 days' notice, plus a separate owners' and contractors' protective liability policy of the same amount; a description of the premises and its zoning classification and that of all property within 500 feet; the number and type of amusements and equipment; the event's dates and daily hours; the sponsoring organization's EIN and contact person; the disposition of proceeds; and a nonrefundable $100 application fee (waivable for military, veterans, school district or Smithtown-based entities).

Before the Town Board reads the application, § 119-4 requires the applicant to post a sign on the premises at least five days before the meeting and file a posting affidavit with photographs, then post again no more than 10 days before the event itself. Section 119-5 lets the Town Board deny the permit if the event would disturb the public peace, harm adjoining properties, or conflict with public health, safety or welfare, and lets the Town impose conditions including a security deposit for site restoration and reimbursement for added police, parks and highway costs.

Section 119-8 adds a firesafety condition: the event cannot open until the Department of Public Safety Fire Prevention Division confirms all tents, rides and electrical equipment are nonhazardous, with everything in place for inspection by noon of the last business day before opening.