Section 2: Permits and licenses
Festival and Event Manual Section 2 Permits and licenses
Permits and licenses you might need.
Section introduction
Permits are required for most festivals and events and are issued by The City of Calgary to authorize specific activities, uses of City land and temporary installations.
Licenses are approvals issued by provincial authorities or external organizations outside of The City of Calgary and may be required in addition to City permits.
Topics in this section
What are permits?
Permits are issued by The City and are identified through the festivals and events application process and included in the Service Standard Agreement (SSA).
Event organizers are responsible for meeting all permit conditions prior to and during the event.
Filming events
Film permits are required for commercial filming using City of Calgary assets including parks, sidewalks, roads, and buildings. Filming at an event with the use of drones and/or other professional filming equipment may require permits.
Please discuss filming requests with your Event Liaison at the time of your application and visit the link below for more information.
Noise exemption
A noise exemption permit is required for event activity (including set-up and take down) to occur between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sunday and holidays.
Related topic
Road occupancy and parades
Event organizers who wish to close city roads to support their event need to provide detailed information on the Festival and Event Application indicating which roads they want to close, along with the additional information requested regarding their event plans.
Once prompted to submit a completed Festival and Event Application, detailed road use maps with the following information will be requested:
- Requested roadways with street names, route directions, and north direction indicated
- Start and finish points
- Start and finish times for all elements of the event, including setup and takedown times
- Road closure times for participants and spectators
- Times of road occupancy
- Scheduled re-opening times
Road permit applications are required a minimum of 90 days' notice prior to the event.
Run or walk routes
The City of Calgary recommends running routes based on popular run/walk venues. These routes have been pre-approved by The City of Calgary and are designed to reduce the cost and community impact of run/walk events and assist organizers in identifying options that can be supported.
To assist in your route preparation and planning, please speak with your Event Liaison.
Related topics and resources
What are licenses?
Licenses are approvals issued by provincial authorities or external organizations outside of The City of Calgary and may be required in addition to City permits.
Proof of required licenses may be requested as part of the event approval process.
Alcoholic beverages and liquor licenses
Event organizers wishing to serve or sell alcohol at an event will need to adhere to both provincial and municipal requirements to ensure that the event is legally permitted to serve or sell alcohol. Event organizers are responsible for applying and obtaining the relevant liquor licenses from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor & Cannabis Commission (AGLC) prior to their event.
Event organizers wishing to serve or sell alcohol must obtain, in addition to general liability insurance, an extension to include Host Liquor Liability.
Cannabis Consumption Area
A designated Cannabis Consumption Area may be permitted in some public places when connected to an approved event. A minimum of 60 days’ notice is required to apply for approval.
The potential for a designated Cannabis Consumption Area will be determined based on the approval from the City of Calgary Interdepartmental Event Team.
Organizations who wish to host an open-air, outdoor contained space away from the primary attendance area, will be required to submit an Event Opportunity Form.
Designated Cannabis Consumption Areas are required to adhere to the following principles:
- Responsible consumption
- Appropriately trained staff and documented procedures in place for the oversight of Cannabis Consumption Areas
- Adherence to all appropriate legislation
- Adheres to all relevant federal, provincial, and municipal regulations
- Limiting the impact on youth
- Cannabis consumption regulated in a manner that minimizes the impact and impression on youth
- Limiting exposure to second-hand smoke
- Cannabis Consumption Areas are constructed in such a way that minimizes the exposure of attendees to second-hand smoke
Approval of a Cannabis Consumption Area is subject to the following conditions:
- Cannabis Consumption Areas will only be considered when applied for as a complementary activity to a larger festival or event in a designated area away from the primary area
- Cannabis Consumption Areas cannot be within 100 meters of a sport or playing field, a skateboard or bicycle park, a zoo, an outdoor theatre, an outdoor pool or splash pad, or a playground
- Cannabis Consumption Areas are prohibited from schools and hospital properties
- Security will be required to ensure no person under the age of 18 is granted entry into the Cannabis Consumption Area and maintain the safety of all individuals in the consumption area
- SellSafe trained security staff are expected to monitor the Cannabis Consumption Area
- Upon approval for a designated Cannabis Consumption Area, the Event Organizer will be held liable for the safety and compliance of the individuals and the removal of minors within the designated area
- Cannabis Consumption Areas must be separate from a beer garden however may include tobacco consumption. No alcohol is to be allowed in Cannabis Consumption Area
- Cannabis Consumption Areas are to be fenced areas with blackout screening and appropriate receptacles to dispose of waste from the area
- Cannabis Consumption Areas require a Fire Occupancy Load card to be obtained by contacting 3-1-1
- A case-by-case review of Calgary Police Service requirements will determine the number of pay duty officers that may be required
- On Site medical support requirements will be assessed as per Alberta Health Services
- Cannabis products must not be sold or distributed in a Cannabis Consumption Area
- Organizers must follow Federal regulations regarding advertising and promotion of cannabis
Failure to adhere to the policies and guidelines outlined in this document will result in revocation of the festival permit and potential prosecution under federal or provincial laws and/or municipal bylaws. When applying for a designated Cannabis Consumption Area, the following documents must be included:
- Site map
- Drawings of the entire site including labels of all areas, entrances, and exits
- Measurements of the areas including Cannabis Consumption Area, entrances and exits, and site perimeter
- Clearly identified fencing and blackout screening of the perimeter of the Cannabis Consumption Area
- Location of the Cannabis Consumption Area must be a minimum of 100 meters away from a sport or playing field, a skateboard or bicycle park, a zoo, an outdoor theatre, an outdoor pool or splash pad, and a playground, measurements identifying a-100 meter radius from these areas must be included
- Security plan
- A plan including the date(s) and time(s) security will be on-site, number of security personnel, and other details including verification of trained security staff to manage a Cannabis Consumption Area. Please refer to the SellSafe cannabis training
- Medical plan
- Level of medical care on-site
- Location of medical service area (Note: The medical service area/s must be indicated on the site map)
- The communication plan between event organizer, staff and on-site medical services
- Time frames during which medical services will be available during the event
Drones
If you comply with all provincial and federal legislation, drones under 250 grams (classified as micro drones) can be flown at your event without a permit (in approved areas). Drones weighing over 250 grams require a filming request through Calgary Economic Development in addition to all other permitting and regulation required for drone flights.
Be courteous when flying a drone. In Calgary Parks, any behaviour which “unreasonably disturbs the use or enjoyment of the park by any other user of a park” is prohibited where an officer may issue a violation ticket.
Some event spaces are in restricted areas, even micro drones under 250 grams.
Related topic
Entertainment performance rights and licenses (music)
If you use music as part of your event, you must obtain a SOCAN and/or Re-Sound performing rights licence. Proof of current or previous year’s license is required.
Re:Sound: Responsible for obtaining fair compensation for artists and record companies for their performance rights, and licenses recorded music for public performance, broadcast, and new media. Event organizers are responsible for contacting Re:Sound for the event.
SOCAN: The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publics of Canada (SOCAN) represents Canadian performing rights and licenses the legal use of music. Event organizers are responsible for contacting SOCAN.
Fireworks, pyrotechnics or open flame
The use of pyrotechnics, display fireworks and open flames is permitted in some City Parks. A minimum of 30 days’ notice is required.
The Fire Prevention Bureau of the Calgary Fire Department controls the permits for all pyrotechnics, display fireworks and open flames in public places. Calgary Fire Department requires the event organizer to:
- Call 311 to request a Special event permit – Fireworks/pyrotechnics/open flame permit as required
- Have a Certificate of Insurance for $5,000,000 – Firework & pyrotechnics / $2,000,000 – Open flame (per occurrence) liability, in addition to the base insurance requirements for events. The company supplying the fireworks may supply this second certificate provided that The City of Calgary and the organization are specifically named as additional insured
- Develop a site plan specific to the activity, including an outline of the firework/pyro zone(s)
- Provide Calgary Fire Department and City of Calgary Parks with a list of the products to be fired (for both indoor pyrotechnics and outdoor fireworks)
- Develop a fire safety plan with explanation of intended use and measures in place to support safety, i.e. fire extinguishers, wet blankets, etc.
- Ensure the fireworks shooter has either a Canadian license or a local company sponsoring him/her
- Fire inspects and approves the site for safety
Parks has final approval in accordance with Federal and Provincial Migratory Bird and Wildlife Acts. Written permission is required from Parks allowing the fire related activity to occur. Ask your Event Liaison for details.
The sale and use of all fireworks is regulated within the City of Calgary by legislation including the Alberta Fire Code, The City’s Fire Fees Bylaw 40M2003, Migratory Birds Convention Act, Wildlife Act, Species at Risk Act (SARA) and Federal law. Questions about fireworks permits or other pyrotechnic displays, please contact us.
Related topics
Food service and food vendors
Event organizers are required to provide notification of The City of Calgary’s Festival and Event food vendor operating requirements to food vendors working the event. Sales and/or service of food and beverage can only occur in compliance with the requirements of the Alberta Food Regulation, and Alberta Health Services must be notified of all food sales and service. For more information on food and beverage guidelines and policies, please e-mail AHS or call Environmental Health, Alberta Health Services at 403-943-2295.
All food vendors, garbage, recycling, food & organics waste bins, wastewater disposal sites and sanitary facilities must be included on your Site Plan.
Proof of food vendor notification is required 30 days prior to your event start date.
Gaming and gambling
Only licensed charitable gaming is allowed in City venues. Gaming (including lotteries, carnival-style contests for toys, and bingos) are not permitted on City property.
To hold a charitable raffle, 50/50 draw or auction at your event, you need to obtain a gaming license issued by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor & Cannabis Commission. These activities need to be administered from a stationary location. No roving sales are allowed.
Personal services
Alberta Health Services has standards and guidelines for personal services offered at events. The requirements of the Personal Services Regulation and its related Health Standards and Guidelines apply to services offering:
- Barbering
- Body and ear piercing
- Body and facial waxing
- Electrolysis
- Facials
- Hair styling or hair replacement
- Make-up application (temporary or permanent)
- Manicures and pedicures
- Tattooing
Failure to adhere to the standards and guidelines for personal services can result in the activity being denied and/or vendor being removed from the event.
Petting zoo
Petting zoos that meet Alberta Health Services requirements are permitted at festivals and events within the City of Calgary. Event organizers must apply to Alberta Health Services for all petting zoos.
Straw and hay bales
The City of Calgary has issued a guideline for the users and suppliers of straw and hay bales for display and/or public events.
Explore sections of the manual
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Section 1: Mandatory requirements
Things you need to know before you apply, application timelines and other relevant information.
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Section 2: Permits and licenses
YOU ARE HEREPermits and licenses you might need.
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Section 3: Event site
How your site is designed, powered, plumbed and operated.
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Section 4: Safety and emergency planning
Keep attendees, staff and volunteers safe.
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Section 5: Application process
A detailed guide that walks you through the online event application process.