04/23/2008: "Planning An Event? You Need A Permit"

In 2006 San Juan County adopted an ordinance that requires certain activities to obtain a Special Event Permit. Special Events are not a type of an event, so much as a potential for impacts on: public property, public facilities, sidewalks, medians, or street areas.

Some examples of special events includes, but is not limited to, fairs, festivals, parades, carnivals, foot runs, bicycle runs, activities at which booths, stalls, concessions, or food sales are allowed. Any planned event which would significantly impact the need to provide emergency services such as police, fire or medical aid, requires a permit.

Special event permits are $100. The permit fee pays for a pre-event inspection and possible inspections during the event. Contact the San Juan County Fire Marshal at 378-FIRE (-378-3473) to apply for a permit

The Fire Marshal has the discretion to extend the permit to cover multiple events if: The layout remains unchanged; Temporary structures and facilities remain in place throughout the permit’s time period, and: All events covered by the permit are identical, meaning that the size, configuration, sponsor and relative fire hazard are unchanged from event to event.

The Fire Marshal also has the authority to waive the fee for an event that is a not-for-profit fundraiser for a local cause.

Why are Special Event Permits needed?

o To assure that an activity meets legal requirements of the use of public right of ways.

o To enable San Juan County to ensure that adequate services such as public safety, traffic control and
sanitation are scheduled.

o To alert San Juan County to any unusual event that should be known to the providers of Emergency
services.

o To assure that any inspections that are necessary are done.