SPECIAL EVENTS AND PARADES

Fort Worth City Code ch. 20, art. XII, div. 2

in effect

Fort Worth City Code § 20-410 EVENTS CALENDAR.

§ 20-410 EVENTS CALENDAR. (a) The outdoor events manager shall create an events calendar for each fiscal year beginning in October for the purpose of setting the city’s calendar for upcoming special events and parades in the city. (b) A written application to hold a special event or parade shall be submitted to the outdoor events manager to be placed on the city’s yearly events calendar no earlier than 365 days prior to a special event or parade. The outdoor events manager may reduce the time frame required for an applicant to submit an application as authorized by the director of public events or his or her designee. (c) The outdoor events manager may deny the application if the applicant fails to submit a completed application to hold a special event or parade to be placed on the events calendar as required by this ordinance. (d) First Amendment events and First Amendment parades shall be exempt from this division. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 19373-09-2010, § 3, passed 9-28-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 2, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-411 EVENTS CALENDAR COMMITTEE.

§ 20-411 EVENTS CALENDAR COMMITTEE. (a) The outdoor events manager shall be responsible for notifying and requesting comments of the events calendar committee members of the applications for events before placing the event on the yearly events calendar. (b) The events calendar committee shall provide comments within 15 days of notification by the outdoor events manager for the purpose of setting the city’s events calendar for upcoming special events and parades in the city. In setting the yearly events calendar, the events calendar committee shall consider the current submitted applications to hold an event, other activities being held in the city and any conflicts related to dates, times and location, established events, city resources and space capacity for the requested special event or parade. (c) All applicants requesting a permit for a special event or parade must submit an application to the outdoor events manager. Applications for a special event or parade with an expected attendance of greater than 2,500 persons located in the downtown outdoor events district must submit an application no later than 210 days before the date of the proposed event. All other special event or parade applications must submit an application no later than 120 days before the date of the proposed event. An application for a parade with a procession of less than 500 pedestrians or attendees must be submitted no later than 60 days before the date of the proposed event. The outdoor events manager, may reduce the time frame required for an applicant to submit an application for a permit for a special event or parade as authorized by the director of public events or his or her designee. (d) In determining whether to place the applicant’s application for a permit for a special event or parade on the yearly events calendar for the requested dates and times, the committee shall consider: (1) Whether there are competing applications or other activities that are substantially for the same time and place where both cannot logistically occur together; (2) Whether there are competing applications that are substantially for the same time and/or place, each of which requires police, emergency services or fire protection over and above what would normally be provided in that location and the chief of police or fire chief has determined that there is not a sufficient quantity of personnel to provide adequate coverage for each of the events; and (3) The written comments received from property owners as shown by the current tax roll and residents along all the block faces of the proposed event as required to be noticed by § 20-413 and all religious institutions, schools and registered neighborhood associations within one-fourth mile surrounding the proposed event. The events calendar committee shall consider the failure of a property owner to return written comments as non-opposition to the proposed special event or parade. (e) In a case of competing events for the same time and place, priority shall be given to an established event, unless the location requested has been used in the three preceding years by a non-established event. For a non-established event, priority shall be given to the order in which the written application to hold an event or parade is received by outdoor events manager. (f) The events calendar committee shall have the authority to deny the applicant a specific date and time based on subsection (e) above, provided however, they shall offer alternative dates, times and/or location for the requested special event or parade. An applicant desiring to accept the alternative permit shall, within five days after notice of the action of the outdoor events manager, file a written acceptance with the outdoor events manager. If the applicant refuses the alternate date, time or location offered by the events calendar committee, the committee shall recommend that the outdoor events manager deny the application for a permit to hold a special event or parade. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 3, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-412 PRE-EVENT MEETING.

§ 20-412 PRE-EVENT MEETING. (a) The outdoor events manager shall be responsible for establishing the dates, times and location of the pre-event meeting and notifying the committee members and the applicants of the meetings. (b) The pre-event meeting shall be for the purpose of reviewing the application and all required permits for compliance with this article and all other applicable ordinances and any applicable policies approved by the city manager. (c) No pre-event meeting shall be scheduled until a complete application is received by the outdoor events manager. (d) All applicants requesting a special event or parade permit in which the attendance is expected to be greater than 2,500 must attend the pre-event meeting no later than 120 days before the date of event to review the application. All other applicants requesting a special event or parade permit must attend the pre-event meeting no later than 60 days before the date of the event to review the application. (e) Failure of the applicant to attend the scheduled pre-event meeting shall be grounds for denial of the permit. (f) The pre-event committee shall recommend that the outdoor events manager deny the application if the applicant is unwilling or unable to comply with all the requirements of the ordinance or any other applicable ordinances. (g) First Amendment event and First Amendment parade applicants are not required to attend a pre-event meeting. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 4, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-413 NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS.

§ 20-413 NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) Events outside the downtown outdoor events district; notification. (1) Special events, parades, runs or walks. No later than five days after the filing of an application for a special event, parade, walk, run or race permit, the applicant shall provide written notice, at applicant’s expense, to all registered neighborhood associations, religious institutions and schools within one-quarter mile surrounding the event, and all owners of property, as shown by the current tax roll, along all the block faces of the event or walk, run or race. Notice shall also be sent to the outdoor events manager. Notice may be provided by U.S. mail or by electronic mail. Notice shall include language indicating that failure of a property owner to return written comments to the outdoor events manager within ten days shall be considered as non-opposition to the proposed special event or parade. The notice must state the date, time and location of event, the type of event, the dates(s) of event, the specific street closures and the time the streets will be closed. (2) Notice for condominiums, hotels or high rise residential buildings. For condominiums, hotels or high rise residential buildings, notice may be provided to the property manager or the homeowner’s association. Notice shall include language indicating that failure of a property manager or homeowner’s association to return written comments within ten days shall be considered as non-opposition to the proposed special event or parade. (b) Events inside the downtown outdoor events district; notification. (1) Special events, parades, runs and walks. At least five days after filing an application for a special event, parade, walk, run or race permit, the applicant shall provide written notice, at applicant’s expense, to all registered neighborhood associations, religious institutions and schools within one-quarter mile surrounding the event or the walk, run or race, The T, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sundance Square, Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. and all owners of property, as shown by the current tax roll, along all the block faces of the event. Notice may be provided by U.S. mail or electronic mail. The notice must state the date, time and location of event, the type of event, the dates(s) of event, the specific street closures and the time the streets will be closed. (2) Notice for condominiums, hotels or high rise residential buildings. For condominiums, hotels or high-rise residential buildings, notice may be provided to the property manager or the homeowner’s association. (c) Posting on the city’s web page. The dates and times of the events calendar meeting, the pre-event meeting, special events and parades shall be posted on the city’s designated web page by the outdoor events manager at least 20 days, but no more than 30 days, prior to the date of the meeting or event. (d) Compliance and response. (1) The applicant shall file an affidavit with the outdoor events manager within five days following the filing of the application and no later than 30 days prior to the event showing that notice has been provided as required above. Submittal of the affidavit to the outdoor events manager shall be proof of notification required in this article and the outdoor events manager shall not be responsible for verifying the information submitted by the applicant. (2) At the request of the outdoor events manager, any questions or concerns from residents, business or property owners shall be addressed by the applicant prior to issuance of a permit. (3) The outdoor events manager shall notify the mayor and the council member for the district in which the event is being held no later than one week before the event. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 5, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-414 SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT PROCESS.

§ 20-414 SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT PROCESS. (a) Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to hold, sponsor or cause to be held a special event without first having obtained a special event or parade permit from the outdoor events manager. (b) Mandatory requirements for the issuance of a special event permit. Compliance with the following shall be required before the outdoor events manager may issue a permit: (1) Submission of a completed application: a. Two hundred ten days prior to a special event in the downtown outdoor events district with anticipated attendance over 2,500; b. One hundred twenty days prior to a special event outside of the downtown outdoor events district or for events inside the downtown outdoor events district with anticipated attendance of over 500 but less than 2,500; and c. Sixty days prior to a walk, run or race with anticipated attendance of less than 500. (2) Payment of all fees at the time of submission of the completed application; (3) Attendance of the applicant at the pre-event meeting; (4) Submission of all required plans; (5) Notice to the surrounding property owners for meetings as required by this article; (6) Execution of a user agreement; and (7) Submission of all insurance and other requirements under this article. (c) Application process. (1) A person seeking to hold a special event shall apply for a special event permit by filing with the outdoor events manager a written application upon a form provided by the city. Each application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee as adopted by the city council. (2) An application must be filed no less than: a. Two hundred ten days prior to a special event in the downtown outdoor events district with anticipated attendance of over 2,500; b. One hundred twenty days prior to a special event outside of the downtown outdoor events district or for events inside the downtown outdoor events district with anticipated attendance more than 500 but less than 2,500; and c. Sixty days prior to a walk, run or race for events with anticipated attendance less than 500. (3) An application must contain at a minimum the following information: a. The name, address and 24-hour telephone number of the person seeking to conduct the special event and who will be responsible for its conduct; b. Estimated projected attendance affidavit; c. Execution of user agreement; d. If the special event is to be held for, on the behalf of, or by an organization, the name, address and telephone number of the headquarters of the organization and the name and address of the authorized responsible representatives of the organization; e. A description of the special event, including any historical and promotional information, and requested dates and hours for operation of the event; f. The dates and times when the special event is to be conducted, including set up and removal; g. A noise mitigation plan that addresses noise impacts on surrounding businesses and residences if the special event includes amplified music; h. Proof that the applicant possesses or is able to obtain all licenses and permits required by the city or by state law for the special event; i. The time and type of any entertainment and whether amplification will be used; j. The use of any pyrotechnics display; k. The time streets or sidewalks are to be blocked or closed; l. The number of persons proposed or required to monitor or facilitate the event and provide spectator or participant control; m. Event site plan indicating location of generators, tents, stages, booths, utility poles, stands, disbanding areas, signs, banners, vendors, portable toilets, orientation of amplifiers and loudspeakers, lighting, disability access, viewing stands, the name and location of streets or sidewalks to be blocked or closed and the location of any barricades and bleachers; n. If any alcohol is going to be sold or distributed, the vendors and application for license for sale issued by the Texas alcoholic beverage commission; o. Emergency services and fire safety plans; p. Police service plans; q. Traffic control plan, parking plans and trash/recycling plans; r. Compliance with all city plumbing and electrical code requirements, and sanitation and sewage disposal facilities requirements; s. Details of how the applicant will clean up the area after the special event, if on public property; t. Any additional information related to health and safety which the city finds reasonably necessary to make a determination as to whether a permit should be issued; and u. Provide a copy of events calendar and pre-event meetings notification letters and distribution list to all affected businesses, property owners and/or residents as required by this article. (4) After submission of the application, the outdoor events manager may request supplemental information. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 6, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-415 PARADE PERMIT PROCESS.

§ 20-415 PARADE PERMIT PROCESS. (a) Permit required. (1) It shall be unlawful for any number of persons, delegations or associations of persons, or for any company, circus or group to conduct a parade along or upon the streets of the city without first obtaining a permit. No permit shall be required for the use of the sidewalks of the city for any procession or parade. (2) It shall be unlawful for any number of persons, delegations or associations of persons, or for any company, circus or group to conduct a parade upon any median, median strip or traffic island designed for the purpose of separating or directing vehicular traffic. (3) a. Only one parade shall be allowed on the same calendar day in the following areas: 1. The DOED; 2. The Cultural District; 3. The NSOED; or 4. The SOED. b. Outside these locations, permits may be issued for parades to be conducted on the same calendar day at the same time by the outdoor events manager in consultation with the chief of police and the fire chief, or their designees in regard to the respective department’s available resources. Times shall be conflicting if the parade starting times are less than four hours apart. (4) No permit shall be issued if: a. The parade would conflict with previously planned events or programs in the area scheduled for the same time and place; b. The parade would present an unreasonable danger to the health or safety of the applicant, participants or citizens of the city; c. The parade would duly interfere with proper fire and police protection or ambulance service to the area contiguous to the parade route and alternative means of service acceptable to the city is not available; d. The parade will place such a burden on the police, fire or emergency services that they would be unable to provide normal services to the remainder of the city; or e. The parade would interfere with events scheduled at the Fort Worth Convention Center or the Will Rogers Memorial Center. (b) Mandatory requirements for issuance of a parade permit. (1) Submission of a completed application no later than: a. Two hundred ten days prior to a parade in the downtown outdoor events district with participation or attendance anticipated over 2,500; b. One hundred twenty days prior to a parade outside of the downtown outdoor events district or inside the downtown outdoor events district with anticipated attendance of over 500 but less than 2,500; or c. Sixty days prior to a parade with participation or attendance anticipated to be less than 500. (2) Payment of all fees at the time of the submission of the completed application; (3) Attendance by the applicant at the pre-event meeting; (4) Submission of all the required plans; (5) Notice to surrounding property owners for the events calendar and the pre-event meetings as required by this article; (6) Execution of a user agreement; and (7) Submission of all insurance and other requirements under this article. (c) Application process. (1) A person seeking a permit for a parade shall file an application in writing on a form to be provided by the outdoor events manager. An application for a parade permit with participation or attendance anticipated to be greater than 500 persons shall be filed with the outdoor events manager no less than 120 calendar days before the date of the proposed parade except for exempt parades and events in the downtown outdoor events district with participation or attendance more than 2,500 as provided above. An application for a parade permit for a parade with anticipated attendance or participation of less than 500 persons shall be filed with the outdoor events manager no less than 60 days before the date of the proposed parade. (2) The contents of the application shall include: a. The name, address and telephone number of the person seeking to conduct a parade; b. If the parade is to be held for or by an organization, the name, address, telephone number of the headquarters of such organization and the names and numbers of authorized and responsible heads of the organization; c. The name, address and all telephone numbers of the applicant responsible for the conduct of the parade; d. Location, date and time of the parade; e. A written description of the proposed route to be traveled, the starting point and the termination point of the parade, including a map illustrating the exact route of the parade; f. If the parade will be held in the DOED, then the applicant shall choose a designated route provided by the outdoor events manager in consultation with the city traffic engineer; g. The estimated number of any riders, animals, animal drawn vehicles, floats, motor vehicles, motorized displays and marching units or organizations, such as bands, color guards and drill teams that will constitute the parade; h. A statement as to whether the parade will occupy all or only a portion of the width of the streets proposed to be used; i. The streets that will be partially or completely closed during the parade; j. The location by streets of any assembly areas for the proposed parade; k. The time at which units of the parade will arrive at the assembly area; l. Event site plan indicating location of generators, tents, vendors, portable toilets, amplifiers, viewing stands and bleachers, if any; m. Emergency services and fire safety and traffic control plans; n. The estimated attendance at the event; o. Details of how the applicant will clean up the area after the parade, if on public property; p. Any additional information related to health and safety which the outdoor events manager finds reasonably necessary to make a determination as to whether a permit should be issued; and q. No later than 30 days prior to the parade, provide a notification letter to all affected businesses and/or residents. For condominiums, hotels or high-rise residential buildings, notice may be provided to the property manager or the homeowner’s association. A copy of the notification letter and distribution list shall be provided to the outdoor events manager prior to sending the notification letter. (d) Issuance of parade permit. (1) The place, duration and manner of use of the public streets and other public ways and places for parades shall be subordinate to the public safety, comfort and convenience, the maintenance of order and the avoidance of congestion. (2) The outdoor events manager shall issue a permit upon finding: a. The conduct of the parade will not interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic near the parade route; b. The parade is scheduled to move from its point of origin to its point of termination without unreasonable delays; c. The conduct of such parade will not interfere with the movement of firefighting equipment or fire protection activities; d. The conduct of such parade will not require the diversion of a number of police officers to properly police the line of movement and areas near the parade so as to prevent normal police protection to other areas of the city; e. The conduct of the parade will not require the diversion of a number of ambulances so as to prevent normal ambulance service to other portions of the city; or f. The movement of the parade will not conflict in time and location with another parade or event for which a permit has been granted. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010; Ord. 19373-09-2010, § 4, passed 9-28-2010; Ord. 20292-07-2012, § 7, passed 7-17-2012)

Fort Worth City Code § 20-416 PARADES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT.

§ 20-416 PARADES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. All parade routes held in the DOED must be on a designated route provided by the outdoor events manager. Except for parade of lights, all parades must not start any earlier than 10:00 a.m. and must end no later than 2:00 p.m. All streets must be cleaned and reopened no later than 3:00 p.m. (Ord. 19255-08-2010, § 1, passed 8-3-2010, eff. 10-1-2010)

Source: City of Fort Worth, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Zoning Ordinance (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ftworth/latest/ftworth_tx/0-0-0-23286Fetched: 10/26/2026