Frequently Asked Questions

Please see this Special Events Permit Guide (PDF) document for all requirements for your Special Event.

All food trucks must obtain an inspection and permit no later than ten (10) business days before the event. Remember that additional approvals may be necessary, such as clerks license and parks department.

You need a special permit when:

• You are hosting a planned outdoor event with more than 1000 attendees or 4 or more tents 700 square feet or larger
• You are erecting a tent that is 700 square feet or larger
• You are going to be a Fireworks Stand Vendor
• You are going to be putting on a pyrotechnics/flame effect/indoor or outdoor fireworks show
• You are hosting a haunted house maze

Please call the Community Safety Division to discuss Special Event Permitting at (970)962-2497.

You may also need a permit for a special event from the City of Loveland (if the event is within city limits), Larimer County, or the Town of Johnstown. You can contact those municipalities by using the links or phone numbers below to apply for those:

• City of Loveland Special Events Permit
• Larimer County Special Events Permit

For the Town of Johnstown Special Events Permit - Call 970-587-4664

A tent permit is required for the erection of 1-3 tents larger than 700 square feet

• Download and complete this Application Form (PDF)
• Complete the application
• email to Eplan a copy of:
  • The completed application
  • Site plan showing the tent(s) location
  • Flame Resistance Certificate for the tent(s)

All tent operators - whether the tent is 100 square feet or 1,000 - are responsible for the safe operation of their tent. For purposes of this information, tent and canopy are considered the same thing.

Tents & Canopies over 700 Square Feet in Size

• These require a permit from LFRA. A tent company typically applies for the permit. Download and complete this application form (PDF) and Email it to Eplan Fire.
• Tents and canopies must have a certification of flame resistance included in the permit application.
• The application must include a site plan showing distances to other structures, stages, or other obstructions to building exits. Include the location and widths of all exits.
• At least one 2A:10BC portable fire extinguisher inspected and serviced within the last 12 months is required to be present for all tents and canopy use. Contingent on the size of the tent, additional extinguishers will be required. If you don't know how to operate a fire extinguisher, go to a fire extinguisher training Website or a similar resource, to learn how. It is the vendor's responsibility to know how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Tents and canopies shall not be located within 20 feet of lot lines, buildings, other tents or canopies, parked vehicles, or internal combustion engines. To determine required distances, support ropes, and guy wires shall be considered as part of the tent or canopy.
• At least one 2A:10BC portable fire extinguisher inspected and serviced within the last 12 months is required to be present for all tents and canopy use. Contingent on the size of the tent, additional extinguishers will be required.

For All Tents, of Any Size

• No heating devices, no cooking appliances, and no cooking are allowed under tents or canopies.
• No flammable or combustible liquid, propane, charcoal, wood fuel, oils, or any other cooking or fueled medium is allowed to be used or stored under a tent or canopy.
• When cooking occurs adjacent to a tent, at least one 2A:10BC portable fire extinguisher inspected and serviced within the last 12 months is required to be present for all tents and canopy use. If you don't know how to operate a fire extinguisher, go to the fire extinguisher training Website or a similar resource, to learn how. It is the vendor's responsibility to know how to use a fire extinguisher.
• When cooking occurs adjacent to tents and canopies, the cooking appliances shall be operated at least 5-10 feet from any tent, lot lines, buildings, parked vehicles, and internal combustion engines. No tent shall be located within 20 feet of lot lines, buildings, parked vehicles, or internal combustion engines. To determine required distances, support ropes and guy wires shall be considered as part of the tent or canopy.
• Maintain your tent to ensure everything is in good working order, including any electrical appliances. Cover cords with a cord bridge or similar, to eliminate tripping hazards.

Securing Tents of Any Size

Tent-Pole Weights

• For a 10 foot by 10 foot canopy or tent, the minimum weight is 40 pounds per leg/pole. As size increases, so does the amount of anchor weight required to properly secure the tent. A 10 foot by 20 foot canopy is 80 pounds/leg. A 40 foot by 20 foot tent is 500 pounds/leg (6 legs).

Ropes & Stakes

First, check with the event organizer to confirm stakes are allowed in the grass or other surface.

• Choose and clear the site.
• Stake corner guy lines at a 45-degree angle.
• Pound the stake in straight up. This makes for maximum penetration into the soil and resistance against higher winds.
• Use a proper striking tool to put the stakes in the ground. Don't use your hand or foot; this applies uneven pressure to the stake and it may bend as your foot naturally wiggles with you trying to keep your balance.
• If unsure, stake more. If you are unsure that the stakes you have are adequate for the soil type, add a few more or tie your tent to a tree or other permanent object. For example, sandy soils need longer, deeper, wedged stakes to hold properly.
• What goes in easy, comes out easy. When you can single-handedly push a stake in with your bare hands, remember that it can come out just as easily.
• Ropes down to stakes are trip hazards. Tie high-visibility plastic flagging tape or similar to the ropes. This is another good reason to stake at a 45 angle away from the entrance to your tent.

A Planned Outdoor Event permit is required for the erection of 4 or more tents larger than 700 square feet or 1000 or more attendees.

• Download and complete this application form (PDF)
• Complete the application
• email to Eplan Fire a copy of:
  • The completed application
  • Site plan showing the event
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance

• Download and complete this application form (PDF)
• Complete the application
• Email to Eplan Firea copy of:
  • The completed application
  • Site plan showing the event and effect staging
  • Pyrotechnics / Fireworks Operator License
  • Shot List
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance

• Download and complete this application form (PDF)
• Complete the application
• email to Eplan Fire a copy of:
  • The completed application
  • Site plan showing the event layout
  • Certificate of Liability Insurance