Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI)

A Collector/Arterial Road, is a major road with these traits:

• Provides mobility around the City or move traffic into neighborhood and business districts.
• Can carry through traffic.
• High-traffic volumes.
• Usually multi-lane.
• Has signal lights and striping.

A Residential Street, is a local road with these traits:

• Provides access for adjacent property owners.
• Does not normally carry through traffic.
• Low traffic volumes; no more than 2,000 vehicles per day.
• Has stops signs and not striped.

Permit Conditions:

• Proposals for closing a collector or arterial roadway downtown during “Peak Hours” (6:00 AM-8:30 AM and 3:30 PM-6:00 PM) will NOT be accepted. The City Traffic Engineers office reserves to right to deny any Traffic Control Plans that are insufficient and/or proposals during peak hours. 
• Permission from RTD must be gained before proposing an event that effects a bus route or stop. 
• Sidewalk closures should be closed corner to corner, directing pedestrians to cross the street at the pedestrian ramps. Both sidewalks on either side of the street cannot simultaneously be closed. One side must remain open or a 5ft wide unobstructed path must be maintained.  
• Bike lanes on collector/arterial streets must be detoured to the nearest like street with a bike lane.  
• If setting No Parking signs more than 24 hours in advance, signs should include the permit dates and times.  
• Permit Holder is responsible for resolving all access issues.  Permission must be granted from property owner to clock access to parking garages, parking lots and driveways. 
• Event applicants must check their requested closure for conflicts in the area. Walk your site each year and take note of new meters, bollards, bike lanes, etc. Please refer to these interactive maps listed below to see if there is another event or construction project in your proposed location. You may also email SEAOA@denvergov.org to check for construction conflicts prior to applying.   

• Downtown Construction Interactive Map
• Capitol Hill Construction Map
• RiNO Construction Map

When do I need a Special Event Revocable Street Occupancy?

Events that want to close or occupy the public right of ways (residential or collector/arterial streets, parking lanes, bike lanes, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, or public plazas) shall apply for a Special Event Revocable Street Occupancy Permit (SERSOP). Moving   Operations utilizing rolling closures (races, marches, parades, processions) are permitted by DPD Special Events Unit. If you plan to place barricades, structures, stages, tents, tables, food trucks, equipment or anything that is not mobile in the public right of way for an event, you will need to apply for a SERSOP.   

Special Event Revocable Street Occupancy Permit Fees  

Events that are open to the public, including ticketed events, will pay 5% of the standard fees charged for a Special Event Revocable Street Occupancy Permits.  Private or invitation only events, events closed to the public, i.e. company parties, weddings and VIP events, are not eligible for discounted rates. Applications submitted after 60 days will be subject to a $50 late fee. Any event with outstanding permit fees or fines will be placed on hold until all payments are up to date.  All permit fees must be paid before the event’s start date. A $500 non-compliance fee may be assessed for any violation of the Special Event Revocable Street Occupancy Permit per occurrence. Violations include but are not limited to, unpermitted closures, im-properly set up barricades and closures outside of permitted times.   

What is the easiest and fastest way to get approved?  

You must supply DOTI will a COMPLETE application. DOTI cannot move forward with our review until we receive a completed TCP from a registered barricade company. Delays in supplying this will delay your DOTI permit. Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid requesting a closure for a collector/arterial roadway during "Peak Hours" and avoid disruptions to the bus lanes and bike lanes. See the previous "Permit Conditions" section on page one. Submit your application at least 60 days in advance; we recommend new events apply 90 days in advance.   

Why do I need a barricade company?  

By law, all traffic control devices must be in accordance with the latest edition of the MUTCD and must be installed and removed by a certified traffic control supervisor or licensed professional engineer from a barricade company. Additionally, the only individuals allowed to direct traffic in an active street are flaggers from a barricade company or DPD. Only DPD can direct traffic at an intersection.

Historical Event Status  

If the Special Event applicant has had the same event the year prior on the same relative date in the same relative location, the renewing Special Event applicant shall receive reservation priority for the current year. Special Events that fail to pay all required fees and/or receive non-compliance violations may lose their historical status. Special Event locations may not be available every year due to construction and/or right-of-way changes.

Meter Bagging Permit & Fees  

Events that close a street with parking meters will also be required to permit the affected meters by applying for a Meter bagging permit. Parking meters are available on a first come, first serve basis. These meters can only be used for event infrastructure and production—not for personal vehicle parking. If you are closing streets, all meters in the closed area must be reserved. Each meter located inside the event footprint will be charged a discounted rate of $5 per day for the duration of the event. Meters outside the event footprint will be charged the standard fee. You will need to provide the meter numbers for each meter you want to reserve. These numbers are found on the meters and may change, so visit the event site to check each time you apply.

Block Party Permits  

The block party permit applies to residential streets and alleys only. The permit supports the gathering of residents on a   block and those adjacent to the street or alley being closed. Parties organized by commercial or business interests that are advertised and/or open to the broader public are permitted under Special Events. Gatherings on non-residential streets and those that include the sale of alcohol also fall under Special Events.