Special Event Parking

Temporary off-street parking permits for special events are issued for a fixed period of time. Special event parking permits are valid only for the designated event or series of events as listed in the permit application, and the permits are not transferrable.

If the special event is in operation during business hours, the minimum parking required by the zoning code for the primary use must continue to be available. Requirements for special event parking will vary based on your zone district, as detailed below. Please also refer to Article 11 of the Denver Zoning Code (DZC) or Former Chapter 59 zoning code (FC 59) for specific use limitations and standards.

Requirements and limitations by zone district

Residential Zone Districts

Under the DZC, off-street parking for special events is permitted with limitations on zone lots having non-residential uses. An attendant must periodically inspect the lot. Under FC 59, off-street parking for special events is permitted on zone lots that have a church, community center, or school in R-4 or R-4-X zone districts. An attendant must be present for the entire event. Under both the DZC and FC 59, special event parking is subject to the following:

  • The applicant must be the owner or authorized agent
  • The off-street parking area must be surfaced with all-weather material
  • The zone lot must be maintained in a manner that mitigates adverse impacts on the surrounding neighborhood
  • The property must be clean within 24 hours after use
  • Permits are only valid for the year in which they are issued
  • Permits expire at the end of the calendar year regardless of issue date
  • Violations can result in permit cancellation, with no new permits issued for six months

Subject to limitations: DZC 11.11.13.1 & FC 59 59-85 (a)

DZC Mixed-Use Commercial Zone Districts & FC 59 Business & Main Street Zone Districts - Developed Lots Containing a Structure

Under both the DZC and FC 59, special event parking is subject to the following:

  • The off-street parking area must have been legally established as accessory parking and surfaced with an all-weather material
  • The parking surface must be improved in accordance with DZC, Sec. 10.4.7 or FC 59, Sec. 59-585
  • All dimensions, parking space arrangements, and drive aisles must comply with the requirements of DZC, Sec. 10.4.6 or FC 59 Article VI, Chart I.

Subject to limitations: DZC 11.11.13.2.B & FC 59 59-85 (b)(1)

FC 59 Business & DZC Main Street Zone Districts - Vacant Lots

Under both the DZC and FC 59, special event parking is subject to the following:

  • The off-street parking area must be surfaced with an all-weather material
  • All dimensions, parking space arrangements, and drive aisles must comply with the requirements of DZC, Sec. 10.4.6 or FC 59 Article VI, Chart I

Subject to limitations: DZC 11.11.13.2.C & FC 59 59-85 (b)(2)

DZC Industrial/Open Space Zone Districts & FC 59 All Other Zone Districts

The off-street parking area must be surfaced with an all-weather material, except in the O-1 and OS zone districts.

Subject to limitations: DZC 11.11.13.3 & FC 59-85 (c)

Signs in All Zone Districts (DZC and FC 59)

  • Only one advertising or directional sign may be installed at each entry from the public street, and it is limited to 12 square feet
  • Each parking lot must have one sign (printed in 2-inch letters) that includes the owner’s name, permit number, number of cars permitted, and the name of the event for which the permit is issued
  • The sign must be installed on the front property line
  • Signage related to the temporary parking cannot exceed a height of 6 feet
  • Signs may be placed in the setbacks but must only be installed during the event

Subject to limitations: DZC 11.11.13.4

What to submit

Submit a written project narrative with your online application that includes the following: 

  • Name of business
  • Scope of work
  • Hours of operation
  • Type of activities
  • How you plan to address any use limitations
    • Note: There is no required length for the narrative, but you should provide as much detail as possible.

If you are not the property owner, please submit a notarized letter from the property owner with your application. View a sample.

Submit a site plan that includes the following:

  • Dimensions of overall parking lot
  • Dimensions of typical parking stall width and depth
  • Dimensions of all ingress, egress, and drive aisles
  • Identify all existing structures on the zone lot
  • Number all parking stalls
  • Provide parking lot area in square feet
  • Label all public streets and alleys
  • North arrow
  • Provide common scale
  • Provide site address
  • Provide applicant/company name
  • Provide date drawn
  • Special Event Name
  • Special Event Dates
  • Identify all existing mechanical equipment (e.g., exterior structures such as transformers and ground-mounted A/C units) 

View a sample site plan.(PDF, 717KB)

Ready to apply?

View instructions

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