A special event is a one-time or annual event that can be on public land, such as a park or on private land, such as your personal property. Most events that occur on public land will be considered as a special event. However, depending on the event on private land, we will determine if a special event application is required or not. For example, if you are having a garden party in your back yard and it is ending prior to 10 pm, you have one small tent and all vehicles can park on your property, then it is unlikely it is a special event.
Still unsure? Please contact us at specialevents@rockyview.ca.
Ready to apply? Special Event Application Form
A special event permit offers you some security should a neighbour complain during your event. As long as you have followed all the safety and legislative requirements identified on your permit, then you reduce the risk of getting a fine should someone complain.
If the event is contained on your property and has little to no impact on your neighbours or County roads, it may not require a permit. However, it is always best to contact us at specialevent@rockyview.ca to make sure.
You can apply for one special event permit for the same type of event in a calendar year. Additional events will be accessed on a case-by-case basis. However, if reoccurring events are to take place on your property, a Development Permit may be required. Find more information on Development Permits here: Do I need a permit? | Rocky View County
Please submit your application as soon as your event date is confirmed, even if you don’t have all the details, we can at least get it in the queue. Once we have your application, you will be assigned a one point of contact which you can reach out to if you have questions or any additional details to add. Our goal is to issue you the permit 30 days in advance of an event, so the sooner you can get the application to us, the earlier we can issue the permit.
We always recommend that you notify your neighbours as soon as you have the date for the event. If you don’t have all the details, you can provide those later.
Letting your community know 30 days in advance of the event, is a requirement. However, the earlier you can let your community know, the better they can plan around it. Early conversations may increase the community’s support for your event.
The County requires you to notify landowners within a 1 mile (1600 metres) radius of the event.
You can speak to them or leave them written notification at their property.
Please see a sample Notification Letter here: Sample Notification Letter
A site map provides a visual perspective on where tents, vehicles and structures are located on the property. It gives the County an opportunity to ensure that the location of all structures meet building code requirements allows emergency vehicle access, should it be needed.
- the location of all vehicle parking
- the location of any temporary structures such as tents, stages, bleachers, portable washrooms, bouncy castles, food trucks, etc.
- the distances between each structure and in relation to the permanent structures, such as a house, barn or shed
Please see a sample Site Map here: Sample Site Map
A Route Map is required when an event impacts roads and should include location of any signage and flaggers. Generally, route maps are required when a parade, parking or road race is planned.
Please see a sample Route Map here: Sample Route Map
Your event may require other permits from the County. If your event requires a tent permit, your one point of contact will apply for this permit on your behalf. Fire permits and fireworks permits are reviewed by our Fire Services team based on the current environmental risks.
A Tent Floor Plan is required for any tents that are more than 300 m2 in area. Please note that the Tent Floor Plan is separate from your Site Map.
- the dimensions of the tent
- the location of any tables and chairs and their approximate distances between each other
- the location and widths of entrances/exits
- the location of stages, dance floors, food tables, DJ setups, and any other applicable items
- the location of fire extinguishers (please note that fire extinguishers are required to be inside the tent)
Please see a sample Tent Floor Plan here: Sample Tent Floor Plan
An Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) Liquor Licence will be required for selling or supplying alcohol. You can apply for an AGLC Licence here: Apply for a liquor licence | AGLC
You will need a Liquor License to sell or supply alcohol at your private event if you are having your event in a public place, like a park or a community hall.
The County’s Fire Services team will determine an occupancy limit of the designated area based on a Beer Garden site map that includes the following:
- the dimensions of the designated area
- expected number of people
- the location of fire extinguishers
- the location and widths of entrances/exits
Please see a sample Beer Garden site map here: Sample Beer Garden Site Map
Although a permit does provide the event organizer some assurances, if conditions are not met on the permit, such as exceeding the noise exemption conditions, an officer may, after receiving complaints, issue a fine.
Special event insurance is added insurance, specifically for your event. Typically, you can get this type of insurance through your current insurance provider. Some examples of when special event insurance may be required could be:
- If you are having bouncy castles.
- If you are having a petting zoo.
- If you are requesting to have your guests park on public roads (where parking may be permitted).
Once you have submitted your application, we will let you know if special event insurance will be required.