Special Event Permits
A special event is any private activity that takes place entirely or partly on public property and requires city services, such as street or park closures, traffic control, or facility use. Examples include parades, festivals, shows, sales, and other similar activities. Events on private or other public property that require city services are also considered special events.
How to Apply
Anyone wishing to hold a special event must complete a special event application form and submit it to the City Recorder. Applications will be reviewed and approved or denied by the City Manager following the procedures in Chapter 9.80 of the Newport Municipal Code. If a requested fee waiver exceeds $2,000, the application will be forwarded to the City Council for action.
Applications must include sufficient detail for staff to evaluate the event's impact on city services and must be submitted early enough to allow for review and coordination. Incomplete applications or those submitted without enough lead time may be denied.
Apply for a
Special Event Permit
Special event permit fees are based on the actual cost of city services and may include personnel time, equipment, and facility rental rates. Applicants can request a full or partial fee waiver when submitting an application. The city may approve all, part, or none of a fee waiver request.
When reviewing a fee waiver request, the city will consider factors such as:
- The benefit to the community
- Whether the event promotes education, health, or safety
- Potential positive publicity for Newport
- The city’s cost of providing services
- Whether the event is operated by a nonprofit organization
- Whether event revenues can offset costs
Events or organizations taking actions that, if done by the city, would be unconstitutional are not eligible for fee waivers. Recipients of tourism promotion grants are also ineligible for fee waivers.
Unless waived, all fees must be paid before a permit is issued.
Temporary structures may be used during special events if a temporary structure agreement is approved and the following conditions are met:
- The structure is installed no more than 30 days before and removed within 5 days after the event
- Property owner permission is granted
- A city business license is obtained
- Grounds are maintained, and trash receptacles are provided
- Sanitary facilities are available
- Parking and traffic impacts are addressed
- Vision clearance requirements are met
- Approval is obtained from the Community Development Department
- The responsible party signs a city agreement
Special event organizers may be required to carry liability insurance in an amount determined by the City Manager, with the City of Newport named as an additional insured
- Approved permits are valid only for the dates and times specified.
- Events staged without a permit may be closed by the Police Department.
- The city may revoke a permit if an event is operated in violation of city code.
- Violations may result in revocation of the permit and/or a fine of up to $500 per day.
For complete details, please refer to Chapter 9.80 of the Newport Municipal Code.