SPECIAL EVENTS

Las Vegas Municipal Code tit. 12, ch. 12.02

in effect

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.010 Definitions.

12.02.010 - Definitions. As used in this Chapter: "Administrative services official" means the person within the City organization who is assigned to oversee the Office of Administrative Services or its successor in relation to special event permits. "Approval authority," in the case of any particular event, means the person or entity that, by virtue of LVMC 12.02.100, is given the authority and responsibility for approving that type of event. "Director of Public Works" means the Director of Public Works or a designee. "Health District" means the Southern Nevada Health District. "Metro" means the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. "Permittee" means the person to whom a special event permit has been issued pursuant to this Chapter. "Public right-of-way" includes a public street, public alley, public walkway, or any combination thereof. "Residential block party" means an activity within a residential community that is proposed or likely to: (A) Occupy a public right-of-way or portion thereof; and (B) Require barricading of some or all of that right-of-way in order to protect the persons participating in the activity. "Security person" or "security personnel" refers to police officers, licensed private security officers, or other persons who are not licensed as security officers but whose presence is designed to provide security for an event. "Security review authorities" means the administrative services official (or a designee) and the Chief of Public Safety (or a designee). "Special event" means a temporary event or activity: (A) At which one hundred or more persons are expected to attend; (B) Whose location would not normally permit such activity to take place by means of applicable licensing regulations, zoning regulations, or other use-related regulations applicable to the location; and (C) Which involves any one or more of the following: (1) The use of temporary structures; (2) The use of temporary electrical power and distribution; (3) The consumption of alcohol; (4) The presence of vendors; or (5) The creation of an impact upon any public right-of-way. For informational purposes, the term includes Tier 1 special events, Tier 2 special events and Tier 3 special events. In addition to the types of events and activities listed above, the term also includes a residential block party and any other proposed event or activity that the administrative services official, upon becoming aware of the proposal, determines should be classified as a special event because of its likely impact. The term does not include a motorized racing event as defined in LVMC 11.57.010 or an event that will take place in a City park and be subject to LVMC Chapter 13.36. In addition, the term does not include an event that is not open to the public and attendance at which is limited to invitees listed on a predefined attendance roster. "Special event producer" means the person responsible for producing, promoting or organizing a special event, whether the person is licensed as a professional promoter under NRS Chapter 6.78 or otherwise. "Special event vendor" means any person who sells, offers for sale or solicits orders for the sale of goods or services at a special event but who does not require a privileged license or a license subject to suitability approval or background investigation under LVMC Title 6. "Tier 1 special event" means a special event, other than a residential block party or a Tier 2 special event, at which fewer than three hundred persons are expected to attend. "Tier 2 special event" means a special event, other than a residential block party, at which fewer than ten thousand persons are expected to attend and which involves one or more of the following: (A) The use of, or an impact upon, public right-of-way. (B) Any temporary structure, including any stage, bleachers, tent, fencing or canopy. (C) The use of temporary electrical power and distribution. (D) Sound amplification. "Tier 3 special event" means a special event, other than a residential block party, at which ten thousand persons or more are expected to attend and which involves one or more of the following: (A) The use of, or an impact upon, public right-of-way. (B) Any temporary structure, including any stage, bleachers, tent, fencing or canopy. (C) The use of temporary electrical power and distribution. (D) Sound amplification. (Ord. No. 6518, § 20, 4-6-16; Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.020 Permit required—Exceptions.

12.02.020 - Permit required—Exceptions. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (C), no person shall conduct, manage or operate any special event unless the City has issued a permit therefor. The requirement for a special event permit is in addition to any other applicable permit requirement, including without limitation: (1) Permits required under the Fire Code; and (2) Permits required under the Administrative Code and the associated building-related technical codes. (B) No person shall conduct, manage, operate or participate in any special event in violation of, or in any manner contrary to, the provisions of the special event permit. (C) The requirement of a permit under Subsection (A) may be waived by the administrative services official for any particular event upon a determination that other applicable licenses, permits or approvals are or will be in place with respect to that event and are sufficient to protect the interests of the City and the public. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.030 Exceptions to Chapter.

12.02.030 - Exceptions to Chapter. This Chapter does not apply to the following: (A) The sale, offer for sale or solicitation of orders at a temporary event, convention or permanent trade show within an enclosed facility where the attendance is restricted and the general public is not permitted, unless there is an impact upon public right-of-way. (B) An event, convention or trade show that is the subject of and governed by a business license authorizing that event. (C) Any funeral procession. (D) Students going to and from school classes or participating in educational activities, provided that such conduct is under the immediate direction and supervision of the proper school authorities. (E) Participation in a special event by the City, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, or any other governmental entity, except that the City Manager or designee, in connection with that event, may impose any requirement in this Chapter, or any other reasonable requirement, that is deemed necessary or appropriate for public safety. (F) Filming activity governed by LVMC Chapter 12.04.

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.040 Business licenses.

12.02.040 - Business licenses. If applicable, a special event producer is responsible for obtaining any business license that might be required by LVMC Chapter 6.78 and for compliance with that Chapter if applicable. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.050 Applications.

12.02.050 - Applications. With respect to any special event, the special event producer for that event shall file a permit application with the approval authority. The application shall be filed on a form furnished by the approval authority and shall be filed by the due date set forth in LVMC 12.02.070. The application form may be filed in hard copy version, either by hand delivery or by US mail. If authorized by the approval authority, an application form may also be filed by means of electronic mail or facsimile. The application shall include or be accompanied by the following information: (A) The dates and hours of the event; (B) A description of the event; (C) The anticipated number of customers, spectators, participants and other persons expected to attend the event for each day it is conducted; (D) The location and a map or diagram of the event including site plan, route map, proposed street closures and public right-of-way use; (E) Information regarding the proposed means of complying with ADA requirements, where proposed structures or event facilities may limit the accessibility of public rights-of-way or City facilities; (F) The number and locations of special event vendors, other vendors, and temporary improvements including tents and signs; (G) The location(s) of attendee parking; (H) A description of how security will be provided in accordance with LVMC 12.02.090; (I) A description of how safety concerns, medical needs and sanitation requirements will be addressed; (J) Proposed business activities, including any request for alcoholic beverage sales or service; (K) Proposed entertainment activities; (L) The name, address and contact information for the special event producer; (M) The name, address and contact information for the person or organization to whom the permit is to be issued, if different from that of the special event producer; (N) The times at which setup for the event is proposed to commence and tear down proposed to be complete; (O) A description of the method of providing for neighborhood notification and, in the case of a residential block party, the method of obtaining neighborhood input from residents immediately adjacent to the affected right-of-way; (P) Insurance coverage proposed to be provided; and (Q) Such other information as may be required by the approval authority. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.060 Vendors.

12.02.060 - Vendors. A special event producer who proposes, as part of a special event, to provide vendors who do not qualify as special event vendors under LVMC 12.02.010 must list those vendors specifically in the permit application, by name and by business license. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.070 Permit applications—Due dates and processing fees.

12.02.070 - Permit applications—Due dates and processing fees. (A) Special event permit applications are subject to the provisions regarding due dates and processing fees that are set forth in the following matrix: Event Type | Application Due Date | Application Processing Fee | Application Processing Fee (Non-profit) | Fee for Expedited Review Residential Block Party | 5 days before event | N/A | N/A | N/A Tier 1 Event | 15 days before event | $50.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 Tier 2 Event | 45 days before event | 175.00 | 90.00 | 90.00 Tier 3 Event | 90 days before event | 300.00 | 150.00 | 150.00 (B) The amount of the application processing fee must be paid at the time of application or within such additional time as may be authorized by the approval authority in writing. The City has no obligation to process an application or issue a permit unless and until the application processing fee is paid. (C) The application processing fee is separate from, and does not include, fees chargeable by other departments and functions of the City for services provided. As a courtesy, the Office of Administrative Services may provide an applicant a list of fees and other requirements to be imposed by other departments and functions, but the failure to do so creates no remedy. (D) In order to be eligible for the reduced processing fee set forth in the matrix for non-profit organizations, the special event producer must provide documentation regarding non-profit status that is satisfactory to the City Manager or designee. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.080 Safety plans.

12.02.080 - Safety plans. As a follow-up to the safety-related information that is included in a permit application pursuant to LVMC 12.02.050, the administrative services official may require the applicant to submit a comprehensive safety plan to detail how the safety of persons in and around the area of the special event will be provided for. The safety plan: (A) Will take into account the number of streets and intersections to be blocked and the impact on emergency service access to and egress from the site, as well as access to fire hydrants; (B) Must first be approved by Fire and Rescue; and (C) Must include a medical plan that: (1) Takes into account the size, location, date, time, duration of the event, as well as the type of event, venue surface material, weather conditions, and presence, if any, of alcoholic beverages; and (2) Complies with applicable provisions of NRS 450B.650 through 450B.700, as well as Section 1150 of the Emergency Medical Services Regulations promulgated by the Health District. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.090 Security plans.

12.02.090 - Security plans. (A) As a follow-up to the security-related information that is included in a permit application pursuant to LVMC 12.02.050, the administrative services official may require the applicant to submit a comprehensive security plan to detail how order will be preserved and property protected in and around the location where the event is to be conducted. The security plan shall be based on the size, location, duration, time and date of the event; the expected service and consumption, if any, of alcoholic beverages; the number of streets and intersections blocked; and the need to detour or preempt vehicular or pedestrian travel and use of public rights-of-way. (B) Except as otherwise provided in, or determined pursuant to, Subsection (D), a required security plan must first be approved by Metro, and shall include the number and character of security personnel Metro determines necessary for the special event. The decision whether or not to approve a security plan under this Section shall be based on the considerations set forth in Subsection (A). (C) In the case of a security plan under this Section that includes the use of police officers of Metro: (1) Funds to engage the specified number of police officers, at an appropriate hourly rate for police officers, shall be deposited with Metro at least ten days prior to the date of an event. (2) Police officers engaged under this Subsection (C) shall be under the complete direction and control of Metro. (D) A special event producer may file a request for review concerning a decision by Metro under this Section in order to propose alternative security measures. Such a request must be filed with the administrative services official within five days after Metro's decision. The review will be conducted independently by each of the security review authorities. Alternative security measures may be approved and implemented if both security review authorities independently determine that such measures will provide equivalent or acceptable security for the event. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.100 Approval authority—Application approval.

12.02.100 - Approval authority—Application approval. (A) Upon receipt of an application, the approval authority shall review the application as well as forwarding a copy to other departments and agencies as deemed appropriate, which may include without limitation: (1) Office of Administrative Services; (2) Public Works; (3) Business Licensing Division; (4) The building code-related function of Community Development, if applicable; (5) Fire and Rescue; (6) The land use function of Community Development; and (7) Metro. (B) Receipt of an application shall be acknowledged by or on behalf of the approval authority shortly after receipt thereof. Action to approve, deny or return the application as incomplete shall be taken by the approval authority, and written notice thereof provided, within a reasonable time following receipt of the application. The approval authority may consider information contained in the application as well as additional information otherwise available. (C) Except as otherwise provided in Subsections (D) and (E), the approval authority is the administrative services official. (D) The approval authority for a residential block party is the Director of Public Works. (E) The approval authority for a Tier 3 special event that proposes the closure of multiple streets on multiple days is the City Council. For purposes of receiving and processing an application up until the time of Council action, the administrative services official shall act on behalf of the City Council. (F) No vendor other than a special event vendor is authorized to vend at a special event unless the special event permit issued therefor pursuant to this Section specifically lists that vendor as an approved vendor for the event. (Ord. No. 6816, § 122, 8-17-22; Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.110 Approval authority—Issuance.

12.02.110 - Approval authority—Issuance. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B), the approval authority shall issue a permit upon a finding that the following requirements have been met, unless a particular requirement is waived by the approval authority: (1) The permit application has been approved by the reviewing departments or agencies; (2) The applicant has obtained and provided required satisfactory evidence of insurance policies, bonds and other means of securing obligations; (3) The applicant has obtained all necessary permits and approvals from other agencies, including the Nevada Department of Transportation and other agencies having jurisdiction in the case of a special event affecting State rights-of-way; (4) The applicant has contracted with Metro for any necessary security services or has otherwise provided for security under an approved security plan; (5) The applicant has contracted with one or more qualified emergency service providers as necessary to comply with an approved medical plan; (6) The applicant has obtained approval of any necessary temporary traffic control plan by the Director of Public Works; (7) The applicant has obtained or caused to be obtained all required business licenses to conduct the activities proposed for the special event; (8) The applicant has complied with the provisions of this Chapter, paid in advance all required fees, and agreed to comply with the conditions to be imposed upon the permit; (9) The activities proposed for the special event will not violate applicable noise restrictions; (10) The concentration of persons and equipment will not unduly interfere with normal and proper fire and police protection services, ambulance services, or with the orderly operation of public roadways, sidewalks, hospitals, parks, schools, or other public and quasi-public institutions; (11) The applicant has provided reasonable means for informing all interested persons or persons whose commercial interests may be adversely impacted of the special event, and has an appropriate plan to inform persons participating in the event of the terms and conditions of the permit and of applicable laws; and (12) In the case of a residential block party or other similar neighborhood event, the applicant has submitted a petition in favor of the event signed by at least four-fifths of the residents of the block or area to be occupied by the event. (B) The approval authority may deny a permit upon an unfavorable determination regarding any of the items described in Subsection (A). In addition, the approval authority may deny a permit if the applicant, in connection with a previous special event permit issued to the applicant, has: (1) Violated a condition of that previous permit; or (2) Violated a provision of this Code in connection with the event authorized by that permit. (C) Independent of any other provision of this Chapter, the Director may deny or withhold further action on a permit application upon a determination that: (1) The permit application is incomplete or a submittal required by this Chapter has not been submitted in a timely manner; and (2) There is insufficient time remaining before the date of the proposed special event for the application to be processed, reviewed and approved even if the application is completed or the required submittals received. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.120 Proof of secured policies.

12.02.120 - Proof of secured policies. (A) At least ten days before a special event, the applicant must provide satisfactory proof of having secured such policies of commercial general liability, automobile liability, and worker's compensation as the administrative services official may require. Any such policies: (1) Must be issued by one or more insurance companies authorized to do business in Nevada, with coverage designated for the premises where the special event will take place, including any public property, facility or right-or-way belonging to the City. (2) Must name the City and Metro as additional insureds. (3) Must have policy limits in amounts determined by the City's Risk Manager. (B) This section shall be deemed to be incorporated in its entirety in any application for any special event permit, other than one for a residential block party. (C) By filing an application for a special event permit, the applicant thereby represents, stipulates and agrees as follows: (1) If the application is submitted or executed on behalf of any other person, organization, firm, or corporation, that the person so doing is fully authorized to act and contract for such other person, organization, firm or corporation; and (2) That the applicant, and any other persons, organizations, firms and corporations on whose behalf the application is made, agrees that they will jointly and severally indemnify and hold the City and its agents or employees, harmless against liability for any and all claims for damages to property or injury to or death of persons arising out of or resulting from the issuance of the permit or the conduct of the special event or its participants. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.130 Permit conditions.

12.02.130 - Permit conditions. Any permit granted under this Chapter may be made subject to conditions reasonably calculated to reduce or minimize the dangers and hazards to vehicular or pedestrian traffic and the public health, safety, tranquility, morals and welfare. Such conditions may include without limitation conditions regarding hours of operation, duration, number of participants, and levels of sound. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.140 Occupancy of certain streets and highways.

12.02.140 - Occupancy of certain streets and highways. Any application for a special event that proposes to occupy any street or highway under the control of the Nevada Department of Transportation must have the approval of that department and any other agency having jurisdiction. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.150 Appeals.

12.02.150 - Appeals. (A) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (B) of this Section or in Subsection (D) of Section 12.02.090, an applicant or permittee may appeal a decision under this Chapter by Metro or by an approval authority other than the City Council by filing a notice of appeal with the approval authority or Metro, as the case may be, within five business days after the decision appealed from. The appeal shall be heard by the City Manager or a designee. The designee may be an independent hearing officer appointed by the City Manager for that purpose. (B) No appeal is available under this Section if the relief or remedy sought by the appeal: (1) Is otherwise available under a specific provision of this Code; or (2) Would not be available under applicable law. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.160 Permittee requirements.

12.02.160 - Permittee requirements. Each permittee shall: (A) Ensure that the special event complies with the requirements of Chapter 6.76 and any noise restrictions of any special district established by the City. (B) Comply with all applicable Health District regulations. (C) Comply with all City ordinances and regulations, including without limitation those that pertain to Fire and Rescue, business licensing and land use. (D) For each special event any part of which will take place after dark or following which persons attending may remain on the premises after dark, provide electrical illumination to insure that occupied areas are lighted at all times of occupancy. (E) For each special event that also qualifies as a carnival or circus, comply with the provisions of LVMC Chapter 6.19. (F) Reserved. (G) For each special event in the nature of a ticketed concert or other large-scale performance event, provide a surety bond or deposit, if required by the Business Licensing Division, to provide refunds of ticket purchases if the performance event is not conducted at the time and place, and with the performers, advertised or indicated by the tickets. (H) For each special event that will take place on a vacant lot or unpaved parking lot, comply with applicable regulations of the Clark County Department of Air Quality as they apply to the use of such lots. (I) Be responsible for the special event's compliance with applicable ADA requirements, where proposed structures or event facilities may limit the accessibility of public rights-of-way or City facilities. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.170 Sanitation plans—Related costs.

12.02.170 - Sanitation plans—Related costs. (A) As a follow-up to the sanitation-related information that is included in a permit application pursuant to LVMC 12.02.050, the administrative services official may require the applicant to submit a sanitation plan to detail how the applicant proposes to provide for the collection and removal of litter, solid waste and other waste, and to address the need for toilet facilities and other sanitary facilities. Such a plan must, at a minimum, provide for the following at the permittee's own expense: (1) The collection and removal litter and solid waste produced by or arising out of the event. (2) Except with respect to a residential block party, on-premises enclosed flush-type water closet facilities in numbers and types that correspond to the number of participants or spectators expected to be in attendance, as set forth in a schedule to be adopted by the administrative services official and made available for public inspection. Where flush-type water closets cannot be made available, portable chemical toilets may be used if they have been approved by the Health District. Chemical toilets shall be emptied and recharged as necessary, at the permittee's expense, pursuant to procedures established by the Health District. (3) Any additional personal sanitation facilities that may be required as a condition of the special event permit under a sanitation plan approved by the City. (4) If required by the Public Works Environmental Officer, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. (B) Each permittee shall be responsible for reimbursing the City, upon request, for additional sanitation-related costs incurred by the City as a consequence of the special event. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.180 Barricades and warning devices.

12.02.180 - Barricades and warning devices. Each permittee shall provide, at the permittee's own expense, such barricades and warning devices as the City Traffic Engineer deems necessary for the public safety. The City Traffic Engineer shall determine the types and locations of required barricades and warning devices. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.190 Use of public rights-of-way.

12.02.190 - Use of public rights-of-way. In the case of a special event in the nature of a parade, procession, race or similar event that will move or proceed along any public right-of-way: (A) The permittee must also obtain written approval from Metro. (B) At least ten days before the special event, the permittee must provide a plan for adequate traffic control. If the plan will include barricades, it must be prepared by a licensed barricade company. (C) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection (C), no person may drive a vehicle between or among the persons or vehicles that are participating in the parade, procession, race or similar event while it is in motion. The preceding sentence shall not apply: (1) At intersections where traffic is controlled by traffic signals or police officers; (2) To persons who are authorized participants in the parade, procession, race or similar event; or (3) To the drivers of authorized emergency vehicles when such drivers are responding to an emergency. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.200 Alcoholic beverages.

12.02.200 - Alcoholic beverages. (A) No person may dispense alcoholic beverages during a special event except pursuant to a license issued under LVMC Chapter 6.50. Any permit granted under LVMC 6.50.200 shall be subject to the provisions of LVMC 6.50.205. (B) A special event permit does not authorize alcoholic beverages to be dispensed or consumed, or open containers of alcoholic beverages to be possessed, unless specifically authorized by the special event permit and by a separate license or permit issued under LVMC Chapter 6.50. (Ord. No. 6806, § 58, 4-6-22; Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.210 Violations.

12.02.210 - Violations. It is unlawful for any person: (A) To violate LVMC 12.02.020 or any other provision of this Chapter. (B) Who is in charge of, or responsible for the conduct of, a special event to knowingly fail to comply with any condition of the permit. (C) To consume, sell or be in possession of an alcoholic beverage at the location of a special event while it is taking place, except as expressly authorized by a special event permit. (D) To carry or be in possession of a weapon at the location of a special event while it is taking place, except as authorized by law or as specified in a special event permit. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.220 Revocation.

12.02.220 - Revocation. A special event permit may be revoked by the administrative services official (or in the case of a residential block party, the Director of Public Works) at any time when such revocation is deemed necessary to protect the public health and safety or to protect property from imminent harm. Nothing in this Section shall limit the ability of a department of the City to take remedial or preventative action under authority of any ordinance or Code provision that operates independently of this Chapter. (Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Las Vegas Municipal Code § 12.02.230 Enforcement.

12.02.230 - Enforcement. This Chapter may be enforced: (A) By the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Business Licensing Division of the Department of Community Development, the code enforcement function of the City, or any other department or function of the City specifically assigned to its enforcement by the City Manager; and (B) By means of either a criminal prosecution or a civil proceeding in accordance with the provisions of LVMC 6.02.400 to 6.02.460, inclusive. In the case of a civil proceeding, any reference to the "Department" in LVMC 6.02.400 to 6.02.460, inclusive, shall pertain to the department or function assigned to enforce this Chapter. (Ord. No. 6816, § 123, 8-17-22; Ord. No. 6418, § 2, 6-3-15)

Source: City of Las Vegas, Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/nv/las_vegas/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT12MIRE_CH12.02SPEVFetched: 10/28/2026