Special Event Permit — City of Annapolis

Plan backwards from your event date

Major event reference timeline

This is the recommended timeline for an event with street closures, amplified sound, alcohol service, and 500+ attendees. Smaller events move faster — but starting early is always better.

Days out

Submit your application

Apply through the CSS Portal with a complete event package: site map, route map, timeline, expected attendance, sound plan, security plan, and any specific requests (alcohol, vendors, street closures, parking).

Why so early: Police, Fire, Public Works, and Recreation all weigh in. Major dates compete with other events; submitting early gets you on the calendar.

Days out

Coordination meeting with city staff

Scheduled by the Office of Community Services. All affected departments meet with you in one room to discuss the event, ask questions, and identify issues. Bring detailed maps and your operations team.

Outcome: You'll leave with a list of conditions, additional requirements, and document requests. Most issues are resolved here rather than via email.

Days out

Notify affected neighborhoods

For street closures or amplified sound, you must notify residents and businesses within 300 feet of the event footprint. The city provides a template and resident lists; you handle distribution.

Documentation: Keep proof of notice (photos, mailing receipts, email lists). Police will request this before final approval.

Days out

Submit insurance certificate

Provide proof of general liability insurance ($1M minimum, $2M for events over 1,000 attendees) naming the City of Annapolis as additional insured. Liquor liability required if alcohol is served.

Don't wait: Insurance certificates can take 2 weeks to obtain. Without this certificate, the permit cannot be issued.

Days out

Final fees due

Pay the consolidated permit fee, including department charges for police staffing, public works setup, and any special services. You'll receive a final invoice with line-item breakdown.

Refunds: Cancel 14+ days out, fees are refundable minus a $50 admin fee. Within 14 days, fees are non-refundable.

Days out

Final walk-through & logistics call

Coordination call (or in-person walk-through for major events) with Police Special Events, Fire Marshal, and DPW logistics. Confirm setup times, deliveries, traffic plan, sound checks, emergency procedures.

What to bring: Vendor list, contractor contacts, day-of phone tree, and a copy of all insurance certificates and the permit.

EVENT DAY

Day-of execution

Print and post your permit at the event. The designated city contact will be present or on call. Police and Fire monitor and respond. Maintain ongoing communication with the special events coordinator.

After your event: Submit a post-event report within 14 days. This drives improvements for future events and is required if you want to apply again next year.

Who reviews your event

Departments involved · what triggers each

The Office of Community Services is your single point of contact, but multiple departments may need to review your event depending on what you're doing.

OCS

Office of Community Services

Lead coordinator

AlwaysReceives your application, coordinates other departments, issues the permit. Your single point of contact throughout the process.

$95

Base fee

APD

Annapolis Police

Special Events Unit

AlwaysReviews traffic, crowd control, security. Determines staffing levels.
Costs apply ifOff-duty officers needed (street closures, large crowds, alcohol).

$65/hr

Per officer

AFD

Annapolis Fire

Fire Marshal · EMS

If applicableFor tents, open flames, fireworks, cooking, or attendance over 500. Reviews fire safety, occupancy, egress, EMS staffing.

$45/hr

If standby req'd

DPW

Public Works

Streets · Sanitation

If applicableFor street closures, parking lot use, dumpsters, electrical hookups, water access, or post-event cleanup.

Varies

Equip + labor

REC

Recreation & Parks

Facility use

If applicableFor events at city parks, recreation facilities, or athletic fields. Includes Susan Campbell Park, Truxtun Park, and waterfront parks.

$50–$400

Facility fee

HBR

Harbormaster

Waterfront · Maritime

If applicableFor events on or near the harbor, requiring water access, boat moorings, or affecting maritime traffic. Coordinates with USCG for major events.

$150+

Waterfront use

What it costs

Example · Mid-size festival

Fee breakdown · sample event

Maritime Heritage Festival · 1 day · Susan Campbell Park · 800 expected attendees · beer garden · amplified music · partial Compromise Street closure

Scenario: One-day waterfront festival. 8-hour event window. Beer garden with city ABC permit. Live amplified music. Street closure 3pm–9pm. Estimated 800 attendees.

Base Special Event Permit fee Application + administrative review	$95.00
Police staffing (off-duty) 4 officers × 8 hrs × $65/hr	$2,080.00
Fire / EMS standby 1 EMS crew × 8 hrs × $45/hr (event over 500 attendees)	$360.00
Public Works setup Barricades, signage, post-event cleanup	$850.00
Park facility use Susan Campbell Park · half-day rate	$220.00
Sound permit fee Amplified sound exceeding standard noise levels	$75.00
Beer garden / alcohol coordination City review · separate state/county ABC license required	$125.00
Estimated total	$3,805.00

Reduced fees for nonprofits and city co-sponsored events. Established annual community events may qualify for our Heritage Events program with reduced rates. Learn about Heritage Events status →