Sundance Film Festival Operations Rules of the Road

This guide is intended to support Sundance Film Festival® partners, local businesses, property owners, and other interested parties in understanding City of Boulder permitting, licensing, safety, and regulatory processes that may apply to Festival related preparation and activities in January 2027.

The information below provides a general overview of current City of Boulder requirements and partner agency processes. Some processes may continue to be refined as the city prepares for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival (“Festival”), including potential updates related to permitting, temporary signage, fees, and activation review processes.

There are different processes and permits in the City of Boulder based on whether the activation requested is to take place on public or private property, or a combination of the two. “Activation” refers to making a space functional for a specific use, typically in a way it is not normally intended. Your first stop will be to determine the category for your activation. The Start Here section will help. If you are operating on public property and/or affecting public space with installed signage, tenting, exterior lighting, or queuing lines on the sidewalks outside your space, you will need to apply for a city issued special event permit which is an umbrella process for all activations. If you are in doubt about the property you wish to activate and/or the permits or licenses required, email the general mailboxes provided for the most expedited answers and additional directions. Staff contacts have been provided but may not always be the fastest way to communicate with regulatory experts within the city. Use of the systems already in place are recommended.

Sundance Institute® is anticipated to hold a Special Festival Event Permit that will allow it to operate within the festival boundary. Organizations that are official Affiliates of the Sundance Film Festival should coordinate with Sundance Institute on activation elements and set-up of the special events permit portal. Unaffiliated organizations will similarly apply for a special event permit and will need to follow City of Boulder regulations and seek relevant permits and permissions to use public and private spaces. Official sponsors or partners are Affiliates; all others are Unaffiliates.

City Regulatory Disclaimer: This information is intended to serve only as a helpful guide to organizers and participants on commonly asked questions and how they relate to City of Boulder regulations and processes. This guide summarizes, and cannot modify, local ordinances, regulations, codes, or laws from other jurisdictions, including the State of Colorado. In the event of a conflict, the applicable ordinance, regulation, code, or law shall apply, nor shall it serve as legal advice.

Sundance Film Festival Official Partner Status: City approval of a permit or license does not create or imply Sundance affiliation, sponsorship, endorsement, or authorization to use the Sundance Institute® or Sundance Film Festival® trademarks. Organizations and businesses that are not officially affiliated with Sundance Institute® or Sundance Film Festival® are subject to City of Boulder permitting, licensing, business license, tax, building, signage, and other regulatory requirements.

For questions about becoming an official Sundance Film Festival partner or Sponsor, or about whether a proposed activation is affiliated with Sundance Film Festival®, contact Sundance Institute directly at corporatepartnerships@sundance.org.

Sundance Institute Trademarks and Brand Use: Sundance Film Festival® and Sundance Institute® are federally registered trademarks and are recognized worldwide as signifying Sundance Film Festival® as a unique source of artistic and professional excellence in the world of cinema. Commercial use of Sundance Institute trademarks that mislead or confuse consumers by suggesting or implying that Sundance Film Festival® has sponsored, endorsed, or is affiliated with another company or brand may constitute trademark infringement and a violation of applicable federal and state trademark laws.

Sundance Institute® recognizes that discussion of its unique Festival for purposes of news reporting, commentary and criticism necessarily requires passing references to its marks in an editorial context. While Sundance Institute® has no objection to such mentions and is pleased to encourage discussion about the Festival and the films in the Festival, any commercial use of its trademarks that misleads or confuses consumers by suggesting or implying that Sundance Film Festival® has sponsored, endorsed or is affiliated with any other company or brand, constitutes trademark infringement and is violation of applicable federal and state trademark laws.

If you would like to inquire about obtaining permission to use Sundance Film Festival® or Sundance Institute® marks in connection with your business or services, please contact Sundance Institute® directly at legal@sundance.org. If you are interested in becoming an official sponsor or partner of Sundance Institute® and Sundance Film Festival®, thereby supporting its mission, please contact Sundance Institute® directly at corporatepartnerships@sundance.org.

Use this guide first as a decision tool, then as a permit reference. Most Festival-related activities will fall into one or more of the following sections:

Activating inside a private building: review the Activations Inside Private Buildings section first. Related sections may include Temporary Occupancy Modification, Business Licenses, Liquor Licensing, and Signs.

Using public property or the public right-of-way: review the Public Property, Public Right-of-Way, and Special Event Permits section first. Related sections may include Business Licenses, Liquor Licensing, and Food Permits.

Outdoor event open to the public: Temporary Event – Conditional Use. Related sections may include Temporary Event Permits(PMT) for tents or structures, Business Licenses, Liquor Licensing and Food Permits.

Food, beverage, liquor, or mobile food vehicle component: review the food, mobile food, and liquor sections early. County, state, and city approvals may apply even when items are complimentary.

Public safety or emergency planning considerations: review the Public Safety/Emergency Planning Requirements section early if the activity involves large attendance, public property or right-of-way, alcohol service, tents or temporary structures, amplified sound, vehicle or pedestrian circulation impacts, queuing, after-hours activity, security concerns, or anything that could affect emergency access or emergency response.

IMPORTANT Definition: Public vs. Private Property

Public property / right-of-way includes streets, sidewalks, alleys, plazas, parks, public parking areas, multi-use paths, and other city-controlled spaces. These activities may require a Special Event Permit, right-of-way review, traffic control plan, public safety review, or other approvals. Note that most parts of the Pearl Street Mall (“on the bricks”) are public right-of-way.

Private indoor property includes buildings, storefronts, restaurants, offices, galleries, theaters, hotels, or other privately controlled spaces. These activities may require building occupancy review, consistency with zoning, business licensing, liquor licensing, signage approval, fire/life-safety review, or other approvals.

Private outdoor property includes parking lots, patios, private plazas, courtyards, vacant parcels, or outdoor areas on private land. These activities may require a Temporary Event – Conditional Use (Administrative Review or ADR application) , a separate Temporary Event Permit (PMT) for tents/structures, business licensing, liquor/food approvals, and fire/life-safety review.

Due to the level of activity anticipated during the 2027 Sundance Film Festival®, applicants are strongly encouraged to plan early and submit complete materials as far in advance as possible. The dates below are intended to help applicants understand the different levels of submission timing needed for city review, applicant revisions, inspections, coordination, and final approvals where applicable.

Deadlines are organized into three categories:

Preliminary Deadlines identify the best dates to submit materials in order to provide ample time for staff review, interdepartmental coordination, applicant revisions, inspections, and approval. Applicants with complex proposals, multiple permit needs, public safety considerations, building or occupancy changes, or uncertainty about applicable requirements should plan to meet these dates whenever possible.

Advisory Deadlines identify the latest recommended dates to submit materials when the proposal is expected to be complete, code-compliant, and unlikely to require major revisions, additional documentation, significant coordination, or multiple rounds of review. Applications submitted by an Advisory Deadline may still be approved in time for the Festival, provided there are no major issues, delays, inspection constraints, or unresolved requirements.

Final Deadlines identify the last dates by which applications or materials should be submitted for consideration. Applications submitted after a Final Deadline, or applications that are incomplete as of the Final Deadline, may not be reviewed or approved in time for the Festival. No guarantee can be made that permits, licenses, inspections, or approvals will be completed for late or incomplete submissions.

Applicants should verify all dates, fees, review processes, and submission requirements for each applicable permit, license, or approval as some processes may continue to be refined as Festival planning advances. The city will make reasonable efforts to review late submissions when feasible, but final approval will depend on the nature of the request, the submission of complete materials, staff capacity, inspection availability, public safety considerations, and applicable legal and code requirements.

Public Safety Reminder: Applicants should identify public safety and emergency planning needs early. Public safety requirements may require additional coordination, site layout revisions, staffing plans, medical coverage, traffic control, Emergency Action Plan review, inspections, or approval by the appropriate authority having jurisdiction before final approval.

Temporary Occupancy Modification

Many official Sundance Film Festival partner activations are expected to occur inside private buildings, including club and assembly spaces, restaurants, retail spaces, galleries, offices, vacant storefronts, and other commercial spaces. The city’s review is intended to help partners activate spaces safely while ensuring compliance with building, fire, occupancy, accessibility, and life-safety requirements.

Public Safety Reminder: Indoor activations may also be subject to public safety or emergency planning requirements when occupancy, queuing, alcohol service, after-hours activity, security, EMS coverage, or emergency access could be affected.

The easiest path is to use a space that already has an Assembly (A) or Mercantile (M) occupancy classification under the Building Code and does not require major physical changes. Property owners, brokers, the Boulder Chamber, Visit Boulder, and city staff may help identify spaces that are more likely to be suitable for temporary activation.

Changes are limited to temporary Level 1 Alterations; see Chapter 7 of the 2024 IEBC.

How do you know if a building is eligible?

If a property owner does not know the building’s occupancy classification, the city can help identify the approach path for determining whether the space is eligible for temporary activation. Partners should gather the property address, owner contact, existing use, proposed temporary use, expected occupancy/load, floor plan, food/beverage plans, alcohol plans, signage plans, amplification/entertainment plans, and any temporary structures, stages, generators, heaters, or special equipment.

Activations conducted by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates should check the box in the permit noting that the permit is associated with a Special Festival Event Permit where locations have been pre-vetted with the city for land use compliance. Applicants of other activations should contact P&DS through Inquire Boulder for whether the use would be permitted in a specific location. If an activation is in an existing use that typically has events (e.g., restaurants, retail etc.), it may be considered an accessory use (see definition below) and approved. However, some uses (e.g., offices) or vacant spaces where no principal use exists may require use review application approval to permit the activation as “indoor commercial recreation.”

Process

An application process called “Temporary Occupancy Modification” is available through the CSS Portal. Activations conducted by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates should check the box in the permit noting that the permit is associated with a Special Festival Event Permit.

Fees

$28.05

Preliminary Deadline

120 days prior to start of event

Advisory Deadline

60 days prior to start of event

Final Deadline

30 days prior to start of event

Contact

Rob Adriaens
303-441-4270
Adriaensr@bouldercolorado.gov

Permanent Occupancy Changes

If space is not A or M occupancy, then permanent alterations to the space are likely required to qualify for an activation.

To make permanent changes, apply for a Tenant Finish (Building Permit Change of Occupancy and Tenant Improvement) through the standard permitting process to ultimately create a new Certificate of Occupancy.

Process

Utilize Planning and Development Services dropdown:

• “Property Use and Design (Regulations)” for Use Review questions;
• “Building Codes and Regulations” for building code-specific questions
• “Applications Requirements (Building Permits)” for permitting process questions

Fees

Vary; See Schedule of Fees

Deadline

Varies; Complexity Dependent

NOTE: a Land Use Review may also be required depending on permitted uses within the zoning district.

Resources

Inquire Boulder

Temporary Event - Conditional Use

Temporary Event – Conditional Use is an administrative review (ADR) to allow an outdoor use open to the public such as a carnival, amusement rides, fair, outdoor theater, promotional event, musical performance or dance for a limited duration of time. This use of land also includes sales from a tent, canopy, trailer, temporary structure, or a parked vehicle, or sales on a vacant parcel of land or any parking lot regardless of location. Not included are sales from push carts or mobile food vendors which are subject to different regulations and licensing.

Public Safety Reminder: Outdoor temporary events on private property may require public safety and emergency planning review in addition to land use, building, fire/life-safety, liquor, food, or business licensing approvals.

In addition to this definition, temporary events must meet specific use standards set forth in the land use code. This review is required for any temporary events that are not part of a Special Festival Event permit.

A Temporary Event – Conditional Use is an Administrative Review application (ADR) that is required prior to any building permit application required for the event if you plan to host an event outdoors on private property and open that event to the public. Examples are a promotional event or performance, sales from a tent, canopy, trailer, temporary structure, parked vehicle, a vacant parcel of land or any parking lot regardless of location.

As an example, a large tent in a private lot would require both a Temporary Event - Conditional Use Administrative Review application (ADR) AND subsequently a Temporary Event Permit (PMT). This is the description of the Administrative Review(ADR) portion of that process.

The CSS Portal is utilized for this application; initiating an administrative review of the property and application. Once in the system, type in “Temporary Event – Conditional Use” and follow prompts.

This application is not required for outdoor activations conducted by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates. Rather, such activations or events are reviewed as part of the Special Festival Event Permit application.

Process

Fees

$252 Initial Application; $84 Renewal

Final Deadline

30 days prior to start of event

Contact

Niki Goldstein, Development Review Application Supervisor
303-441-4352
goldsteinn@bouldercolorado.gov

Temporary Event Permit (PMT)

If you have a tent larger than 400 square feet with walls or exceeds 700 square feet and is open on all sides or if there are multiple tents placed side by side exceeding 700 feet then a Temporary Event Permit (PMT) is required to assure the tents are property installed and safe for use. See “Outdoor Event on Private Property - Administrative Review Conditional Use or “Use of Public Property / Public Right-of-Way - Special Event Permits” application for approvals that may be required prior to applying for this permit.

Activations conducted by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates should check the box in the permit noting that it is associated with a Special Festival Event Permit where locations have been pre-vetted with the city for land use compliance. Applicants of other activations should contact Inquire Boulder for whether the use would be permitted in a specific location. If an activation is in an existing use that typically has events (e.g., restaurants, retail etc.), it may be considered an accessory use (see definition below) and approved. However, some uses (e.g., offices) or vacant spaces where no principal use exists may require use review application and approval to permit the activation as “indoor commercial recreation.”

Process

Fees

$28.05

Preliminary Deadline

120 days prior to the event date

Advisory Deadline

60 days prior to the event date

Final Deadline

30 days prior to the event date

Note: A Temporary Event Permit (PMT) is not complete until inspections have passed. Having an issued Temporary Event Permit (PMT) without any inspections performed is considered incomplete.

Contact Information

For Questions/Inquiries about existing application utilize Customer Service Hub for Planning and Development Services (Inquire Boulder)

Special Event Permits

Sundance Film Festival® will hold a City of Boulder Special Festival Event Permit for the core Festival venues and approved Festival boundary. While official Festival Affilliates are eligible to activate within the festival boundary, they must first receive an approved Special Event Permit connected to the Special Festival Event Permit held by the Festival.

A separate Special Event Permit or other review is required when an Affilliated or Unaffiliated party proposes activity on public property, in the public right-of-way, or in a location that affects streets, sidewalks, alleys, transit operations, parking, bike facilities, public spaces, or emergency access.

During the Festival period, only official Sundance Film Festival Affiliated partners will be eligible to seek approval for partners’ activations in the public right-of-way within the approved Festival boundary, unless otherwise authorized by the city.

When do you need a Special Event Permit?

A Special Event Permit is generally required for planned and promoted public activities conducted on public property or in the public right-of-way that meet any of the following criteria:

• When the expected number of participants and spectators totals 50 or more people
• When using tents, structures and/or sound amplification
• When providing, selling or distributing alcohol and/or food to the public
• When using public right of ways (e.g., city streets, multi-use paths and sidewalks) and/or impacting vehicle, bike or bus traffic.

Public Safety Reminder: Activities on public property or in the public right-of-way are likely to require public safety and emergency planning review when emergency access, crowd management, traffic control, transit operations, pedestrian and vehicle circulation, queuing, security, EMS coverage, or severe weather planning may be affected. Public safety requirements and an Emergency Action Plan are conditions of approval when applicable.

Caveat

Many city resources will be concentrated in the festival boundary Jan. 21 to Jan. 31, 2027. While it may be possible to receive a Special Event Permit during this period, applicants should begin with a feasibility discussion with Special Events staff to determine whether the plans are feasible in relation to the larger Festival operation.

Activations conducted by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates should check the box in the permit noting that the permit is associated with a Special Festival Event Permit.

Process

Deadline

Requirements vary by component; Initial steps 120 days and final submissions at least 60 days; Sept. 23 to Nov. 20, 2026.

Fees

Fees vary based on components of event.

Contact Information

Justin Greenstein, Manager, Special Events
303-413-7222
greensteinj@bouldercolorado.gov
specialevents@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

Special Event Handbook

Festival-related activities may be subject to public safety requirements when they involve large attendance, use of public property or right-of-way, alcohol service, tents or temporary structures, amplified sound, vehicle or pedestrian circulation impacts, queuing, after-hours activity, security concerns, or any condition that could affect emergency access, emergency response, or public safety operations.

Public safety requirements may include but are not limited to: fire/life safety conditions, EMS coverage, emergency access, crowd management, law enforcement coordination, security planning, traffic control, pedestrian and vehicle circulation, severe weather planning, communications planning, and an Emergency Action Plan.

Approval of business licensing, liquor licensing, food permits, signage, or property-use approvals does not replace required public safety approval. Public safety requirements may affect site layout, staffing, access points, occupancy, operating hours, traffic control, security operations, medical coverage, emergency response access, and final approval.

Public safety requirements established by the city and the appropriate authority having jurisdiction must be met before the activity may proceed.

A City of Boulder business license may be required when a business, sponsor, vendor, promoter, producer, or other entity is conducting commercial, promotional, sales, marketing, experiential, hospitality, or other business-related activity within the city, even if no direct retail sales occur on site. A business license helps the city identify who is operating in Boulder, determine whether sales or use tax obligations apply, and ensures that businesses are connected to the correct regulatory path.

There are two types of business licenses in Boulder.

1. Special Event (Temporary) Business License
   Temporary, serves vendors for a special event permit.
   No fee for this license; 5 minutes to obtain.
2. Regular Business License
   Physically located within the city or not; allows for ongoing business in Boulder.
   Requires 6 weeks; apply by Dec. 10, 2026.

Sales Tax

The City of Boulder is considered a home-rule city, meaning it administers Boulder sales tax separately from the State of Colorado. The creation of a business license will include registration to collect and submit sales tax. It is an integrated process.

Sales tax filing deadlines for activities related to the 2027 Sundance Film Festival® should be verified with the City of Boulder Sales Tax team before publication. Even when an activation does not involve direct sales to the public, sales or use tax questions may arise depending on merchandise, giveaways, rentals, taxable services, construction materials, equipment, catered items, or other taxable transactions.

Process

Fees

Special Event/Temporary Business License: there is no charge to register. You MUST be associated with a special event permit to be eligible.

Regular License: If you have a physical location business inside the City of Boulder, there is a $25 fee for Zoning Identification. No charge if not.

If you desire to host a special event on private property, contact us.

Contact Information

Alberto Douriet, Business License and Sales and Use Tax
303-441-3051
DourietA@bouldercolorado.gov
Salestax@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

Business Licenses Webpage

A private event generally does not require a liquor license or permit when it is limited to invited guests, not advertised to the public, not ticketed, and alcohol is provided by the host without sale or indirect charge. Organizers should be prepared to demonstrate that the event is private through invitation lists, RSVP controls, guest check-in-procedures, lack of public advertising, and documentation showing that alcohol is not being sold or indirectly charged.

Private Event

• Limited to invited guests/defined group
• Invitation sent directly to specific people
• No ticket sales
• No public advertising/social media
• RSVP only for invited guests and plus one
• Hosted by Individual, family, company or private group
• Hosted at private residences, private facilities, closed corporate venues
• Alcohol provided by host and not sold

Public events or events where alcohol is sold, served as part of a ticketed admission, included in a package, sponsored, donated, or otherwise provided in connection with a commercial activity may require liquor license or permit. Some liquor permits, including certain Special Event Liquor Permits, may only be available to qualifying nonprofit or political organizations. A for-profit sponsor or brand may need to partner with an eligible nonprofit permit holder or use another lawful pathway, such as working through an existing licensed premises, temporary modification, retail establishment permit, or other applicable state/local process. The permit types below are summarized for orientation only and require additional review based on application location, premises control, event structure, and timing.

Deadline

60 days prior to event; Nov. 20

Contact Information

Alisa Darrow, Liquor Licensing
303-441-1987
darrowa@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

• Liquor Licenses Webpage
• State of Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division
• Special Event Liquor Permit (Private Property)
• Special Event Liquor Permit (City Owned Property)

Sign Regulations

Signs planned to be erected are subject to the city’s sign code and sign permit application process set forth below.

There are regulations regarding the size, number, type and locations of signs that can be displayed on a building or site. Regulations regarding signs are found in Section 9-9-21, “Signs.” Signs associated with a special festival event perimeter subject to the standards in 9-9-21(d)(15): All signs must be installed by a licensed sign contractor.

Sign permit applications are not required for Special Festival Event signs by Sundance Institute® or its affiliates. Rather, such signs are reviewed as part of a comprehensive sign plan in accordance with a Special Festival Event Permit.

Process

Signs That Cannot be Displayed (unless approved as part of a special festival event sign plan):

• Any sign installed without a permit
• Signs in the right-of-way, including a-frame sandwich board signs
• Signs higher than 25 feet in grade
• Signs on a roof
• Large window signs
• Signs that move, twinkle, rotate, pulsate or appear to have motion
• Strings of lights
• Off-premises signs
• Unsafe signs
• Wind signs
• No banners

Special Festival Event Sign Standards

• Standards in Section 9-9-21(d)(15):
  • Allows banners, wall signs, projecting signs, etc. on private property within the special festival event boundary.
  • Limits the duration of installation, façade coverage, and includes some setbacks and height requirements.
  • Intended to balance public health and safety and values on aesthetics with fostering a unique festival atmosphere.
• Process: Reviewed as part of a comprehensive sign plan submitted with the Special Festival Event permit by Sundance Institute® and its affiliates.

Fees

Vary based on materials, valuation and associated inspections

Contact Information

Adam Olinger
303-413-7822
olingera@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

• Customer Self Service Portal
• Building Owner Authorization Form
• Search for Licensed Sign Contractors
  

A formal film or photography permit may be required for certain filming or photography activity, especially on city property, in public spaces, or when activity affects access, right-of-way, public facilities, parks, Open Space and Mountain Parks land, or city operations. Separate from permit requirements, all filming, photography, drone operation, and amplification must comply with applicable city, county, state, federal, and property specific rules. CU Boulder properties are subject to separate campus processes and should not be assumed to be covered by City of Boulder Approvals. Film permit applications utilize the same system as the special event permit.

General Requirements

• Approved film permits/ photography shoots and all other permits, licenses and plans must be on site and available during the entire event.
• No banners or signs in or alongside the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks), or placed across roadways.
• No person shall drive a motor vehicle within or upon any part of a park, parkway, recreation area or open space except on designated roadways or parking areas.
• Destruction, damage or removal of any vegetation or defacement of park property is prohibited.
• No impeding pedestrian access on sidewalks or traffic on multi-use paths.
• All cords must be properly grounded and covered and rated for outdoor use. All tents/canopies must be securely grounded and secured and have been inspected and permitted, if applicable.
• No parking in any area other than designated parking areas.

Amplification

Amplification must comply with the City of Boulder's noise ordinances and may also be reviewed as part of a private building activation, outdoor event, special event, or public right-of-way use. If complaints are received, the volume may need to be reduced even if the activity is otherwise within allowed sound levels.

Drone Regulations

Anyone flying a drone must follow all federal, city and county guidelines. You may not launch, land or otherwise operate any unmanned motorized vehicle from or on any City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks land.

Insurance Requirements

General liability insurance coverage, in the amount of $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate, must be acquired before filming and maintained throughout the duration of the event, including set-up and dismantle periods. The City of Boulder, as the Certificate Holder, must also be marked as an Additional Insured and Subrogation Waived.

Damage Deposit

To be determined by individual departments.

Deadline

14 days prior to filming on city property

Fees

Range from $0-500/day

Contact Information

filmpermits@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

Detailed insurance instructions based on location of filming

Food Permits

Food permits are managed by Boulder County, Public Health Department; for ease, details are provided but all questions and the permit process will be managed by the county and not the city.

A temporary Retail Food Establishment is a food establishment that operates at a fixed location in conjunction with a single event or celebration for no more than 14 consecutive days. Both coordinators (those who set up the event physically) of the temporary retail food establishment and its vendors (those who prepare and serve the food), must register with Boulder County. All are required to attend an online State Food Safety Training.

Process

Fees

• $115 per application + $156/hour for Boulder County Public Health staff to complete inspections at the event or investigation of complaints or illnesses; Event coordinators can pass these fees to vendors averaging 30 min/vendor
• $13.99 State food safety training

Deadline

14 days prior to event; Jan. 6, 2027

Contact Information

Call 303-441-1564; ask for the on-call inspector

Resources

• Temporary Event Food Establishment Requirements
  • Look under Vendors for:
    • Temporary Event Guidelines
    • Safe Food Handling – Cooking Demonstrations and Food Sampling
  • Look under Resources for coodinators for:
    • Zero Waste Event Planning Tips
    • Stormwater Protection Requirements

Tented Food Vendors

Special event permit is required for tented food vendors. Tented Food Vendors must meet all Boulder County Public Health Department requirements, possess proper food permits, be registered correctly as both host and vendors with copies of those approvals on site. All tents and canopies must be flame-retardant and securely anchored to withstand inclement weather. Vendors must maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from open flames or grills to the tent/canopy as well as combustible materials, with propane tanks placed 10 feet away and secured upright. Charcoal grills must be stable and shielded to prevent tipping or public contact. Cooking or heating equipment must be at least 10 feet from exits or decorations, with an ABC-type fire extinguisher (minimum 40-B rating) required for each food vendor unless otherwise approved. Cooking equipment must be arranged to avoid public contact.

Mobile Food Vehicles Licensing

All mobile food vehicles operating in the City of Boulder must hold a business license through the City of Boulder and include a current fire inspection and Colorado Retail Food Establishment License with their application.

Process

Fees

(1) an application fee of $100, and (2) an annual license fee of $216 per 12-month period, which may be prorated based on the remainder of the license period. A discounted fee of $108 is available if operating for four consecutive days or less. Application fees are non-refundable. License fees are refundable if an application is denied or withdrawn.

Deadline

60 Days Prior to Event/Use; Highly dependent on submitting all required documentation

Contact Information

Alisa Darrow, Regulatory Licensing Manager
303-441-1987
darrowa@bouldercolorado.gov

Resources

Mobile Food Vehicle Licensing webpage

Pearl Street Mall is a highly regulated public space with unique rules for vending, performance, signage, amplification, merchandise, solicitation, and use of public space. No one should assume that a private indoor activation near Pearl Street allows use of the Mall, sidewalks, or adjacent public areas for erecting of signs, queuing, sampling, step-and-repeats, red carpets, street teams, merchandise, food/beverage service, or amplified programming.

Important Rules for the Pearl Street Mall and City Property

• Selling merchandise, art, crafts or other goods is not allowed on the Pearl Street Mall or any other city-owned property without mobile vending cart permit.
• Mobile Vendor Cart Permits are issued annually and are limited in number.

Soliciting donations for merchandise is also prohibited.

Street Performers / Musicians

• Acoustic performances (vocal or instrumental) are allowed without a permit.
• Amplified sound is not allowed on the Pearl Street Mall.
  If your performance lasts longer than 30 minutes, please move to a different block after each 30-minute set.

Special Entertainment Permit

• Required for any activity which involves juggling, casting, throwing or propelling of a knife or burning projectile on the mall, or involves the use of equipment on the mall which is more than six feet above the surface of the mall when at reset or when bearing a load while used in the act.
• Insurance requirement: The City of Boulder and its elected officials and employees are listed as an additional insured for $1 million general liability and other specific language required.
• Special Entertainment Permit required

Ambulatory Vending Permits

• Caricature, portrait or landscape artists (using non-airborne mediums)
• Balloon and balloon sculpture sellers, flower vendors, shoe shine services
• Must remain mobile; staying in one fixed location is not permitted
• No limit to the number of permits issued
• Sales Tax License is required
• Ambulatory Vending Permit required

Activities are more highly controlled on Open Space and Mountain Parks land so that the space may be enjoyed by everyone with clear expectations as to what is allowed and where, with specific permits. There is a permit question and answer tool to assist in the identification of the proper permit based on what you want to do in Open Space and Mountain Parks land.

While there are multiple online systems set up to simplify application processes, these tools are likely to be the most utilized for ongoing application with the city.

• City of Boulder Customer Self Service (CSS) Portal

Many permit and administrative review applications can be accessed through this portal. The black bar at the top can be utilized by typing in the name of the application or request you are attempting. A summary of the permit or review will be provided through the search. Assistance in the use of the CSS Portal can be requested at CSSHelp@bouldercolorado.gov.

• City of Boulder Online Tax System

Business licenses are provided through this system. Sales Tax is also paid through this portal.

• Special Event Permit

Applications will be initiated and accessed through this system. Supporting documentation will be submitted through this portal.