Special Event Permit
Are you hosting a special event such as a block party, festival, parade, or fun run? This web page guides you on the permitting process, so you can follow city ordinances and have a safe, fun event.
Do I need a permit?
You need a Special Event Permit if your event includes any of the following:
- 100 or more attendees on public property
- 50 or more attendees and involves any of the following on public property:
- Sale of distribution of merchandise
- Food Truck or Food/Beverage Vendor
- Installation of a stage, band shell, portable building, booth or bleachers to support event.
- Placement of portable restrooms
- Is on public or private property that includes one or more of the following:
- Partial or full closure of a street.
- Obstruction of the flow of traffic upon a street, sidewalk, or other public right-of-way.
- Blocking or restricting access on public property
- Placement of temporary no parking, directional, oversize or identification signs on banners in or over public right-of-way, or on private property.
**The City of Ennis offers beautiful park pavilion rentals that accommodate functions such as parties, corporate gatherings, and fundraisers. Please visit the Ennis Pavilion Rental Page if you are interested in using an Ennis park pavilion for your event prior to submitting a special event permit application.
Please note that Special Event Ordinance 25-0415-G3 was adopted by the Ennis City Commission on April 15, 2025. These ordinances allow for an application fee structure for private special event applications.
Before you apply, please note application deadlines:
- 0-500 in attendance - 30 days prior
- 501-4,999 in attendance - 45 days prior
- 5,000+ in attendance - 60 days prior
- Run/Walk Events (City Pre Planned Routes) - 9 months prior
Apply for a permit: City of Ennis Special Event Permit Application
This service provides 24/7 access to:
- Submit applications with a detailed event site map and other required documents
- Better coordination across departments (e.g., Police, Fire, Streets, Parks, etc.)
- Introduction of event-related fees
- View permit application status
- Food truck and food vendors learn how to apply for a temporary health permit. Health and Food Safety permits are issued through Temporary Health Permit Application.
Permit Process: What to Expect
- After completing an online application, you will receive an email with request for any necessary information, documents, and permits needed if any.
- Once all information is reviewed and approved by departments you will receive an email through the Open Gov portal with required fees.
- Once fee or deposit is paid and corrections made, the special event permit will be issued through the portal.
- Permits are downloaded upon a successful Department Review.
Application Requirements
- A site plan detailing the electrical, street barricade and traffic needs, and the location of tents, generators, stages, booths, utility poles, stands, disbanding areas, signs, banners, vendors, portable restrooms, orientation of amplifiers and loudspeakers, lighting, disability access and viewing stands, as applicable;
- Projected attendance estimate.
- A clean up plan
- Proof of liability insurance.