Texas City, TX Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Chapter 118 of the Texas City Code of Ordinances makes it unlawful to show or exhibit a carnival within the city limits except in strict compliance with the chapter. Under § 118.004 no carnival is permitted without a permit issued by the city and signed by the Chief of Police or a designee. The application is due at least 30 calendar days before the carnival begins, and a permit is valid for not more than ten calendar days. The fee is $250 for each permit request, and it applies whether the applicant is a profit or non-profit organization. The Chief of Police forwards each application to the Building Official and the Fire Departments, and City Inspectors and the Fire Marshal inspect the facilities and equipment before a permit is issued.

The vendor rules sit in § 118.005(D). Applicants must coordinate all vendor and concession activities with the city, and every vendor and concessionaire pays for and obtains any required city concessionaire permit at its own expense. Under § 118.005(E) an applicant that sells food, beverages or novelty items must obtain all proper permits and show the city as the origin of sales, and an applicant who lets third parties sell must prove it required them to comply. Any use of city right-of-way needs a city-approved traffic control plan, and the applicant pays to develop it. A carnival permit does not grant the right to use city property or right-of-way exclusively, so that needs additional permission from the city.

Money and insurance requirements are heavy. Every approved applicant posts a cash deposit or surety, set by the Mayor and never less than $1,000, to cover cleanup. The applicant carries general liability insurance with combined single limits of $1,000,000 naming the city as an additional insured, plus workers' compensation, from a carrier rated A-7 or better. Banners, signage and advertising need Building Official approval before installation, and the permit and insurance documents must be posted on site.

A larger event can also fall under Chapter 97, which requires a special event permit to promote a mass gathering, defined to include gatherings expected to attract more than 150 persons.