Special Events Ordinance

Click here to view the City of Lancaster Special Events Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2004-06-18).
 

Pertinent Information Related to Special Events 

Alcoholic Beverages If alcoholic beverages are served, individuals should not be allowed to become intoxicated. DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! Applicants must obtain permit from the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission (TABC) when alcoholic beverages will be consumed.

Electrical Equipment Electrical equipment must be installed, operated and maintained in a manner that does not create a hazard to life or property. All new electrical or related work performed must meet the current codes of the City of Lancaster. All electrical devices must be properly grounded to ensure safe operations. Permits and inspections are required. Extension cords must have overcurrent protection.

Neighborhood Notification An attempt should be made to notify all neighbors of the block party in order to minimize conflicts. If the block party is to be held in a cul-de-sac, it will be necessary to circulate a petition obtaining the approval of the homeowners residing in the cul-de-sac. The signed petition should be submitted with the application. Parties may not continue past 10:00 pm due to the possible disturbance of neighbors.

Sketch of site A site plan including desired placement of barricades, cookers, smokers, etc.

Site Clean-Up is the responsibility of the applicant and must be completed immediately after or within 24 hours of the event.

Certificate of Insurance (COI) Please see sample certificate for minimum limits of insurance requirements.

Signage and Temporary Banners Bonfire non-profit organizations may erect temporary offpremise signs which refer to an activity or function of the organization. Such signs shall not be erected for more than ten (10) days. No signs shall be place within the City which refers to the activity or function for more than sixty (60) days. Signs shall not exceed six (6) square feet in effective area. City Ordinance does not allow for signage in right-of-way except real estate directional. NO sign will be allowed within any street median. A permit shall be required for these signs; however, no permit fee will be assessed.

Non-profit organizations shall be permitted to erect one (1) temporary banner sign at a business location two (2) times per calendar year. Such signs shall be erected a maximum of fourteen (14) days for each permit. A permit for such a sign shall not be issued within thirty (30) days of the date that any temporary banner sign was erected at the occupancy. The effective area for such signs shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

Street Barricades Barricades or parked cars should not prevent accessibility by emergency vehicles to the location in the event of an emergency. If possible, the event should take place in a cul-de-sac or dead-end street, and not on a through street.

Tents Any tent requires a permit approved by the Fire Marshals office. A certificate of flame proofing must be provided to the city. 

Application Process

Complete the Special Event Application online.

If you would like to hold a special event in Lancaster, submit your completed Special Event Application to the Community Relations Division. This can be done online, or a hard copy of the application can be provided to you at City Hall located at 211 N. Henry Street

A non-refundable $25 application fee will also be required except when noted. Applications must be submitted 30 days prior to the date and time of the scheduled special event. If application is submitted less than 30 days prior to the date of the scheduled event, an additional $25 fee is required.

Application Review

All applications will be reviewed by the Special Events Review Committee. Applicants will be notified regarding the disposition of the application. 

More Information

If you have questions or need additional information, contact the Community Relations Division at 972-218-1300 or Email