Frequently Asked Questions What kinds of events require licenses or permits? How do I obtain a permit or a license for a special event in Washington, DC? Is there a charge for city services connected with a special event? Does the Task Group ever deny approval for an event? Q. What kinds of events require licenses or permits? Before you can hold a special event that involves street or ally closings, parades, block parties or fireworks, you must obtain a special permit or license for each activity. Permits are issued free of charge, but licenses require the sponsor to secure a liability insurance policy for the event. Q. How do I obtain a permit or a license for a special event in Washington, DC? Depending on the type of event you are planning, you may need a license, a permit, or both. Permits are issued by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, the US Park Police, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, and the Department of Parks and Recreation. Licenses to sell goods or food at special events are issued by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Q. Is there a charge for city services connected with a special event? There may be a charge for city services. During times of budget constraints, the city cannot absorb all of the cost involved in providing the necessary city services for a particular special event, especially if the event takes place in the evening or on a weekend, times when public safety employees receive overtime pay. The Task Group will help event organizers determine the type of support they will need and will provide information about whether there will be a charge for city services. Q. Does the Task Group ever deny approval for an event? The Task Group attempts to work with special event sponsors to try to accommodate their requests. However, the task group will deny permits or licenses if it feels that the event sponsors have not adequately planned for the safety and well being of the participants, surrounding businesses or the city's residents. Occasionally, the Mayor's Special Events Task Group will ask an event sponsor to change the date of an event if one or more special events are already planned for a particular date.