If you are planning an event on City property, you will need a community event permit (Salem Revised Code (SRC) Chapter 104). Depending on the activities at your event, you may need other permits such as a sound permit or tent permit.

Examples of a community event requiring a permit include:

• A run/walk event
• Product fair
• Concert
• Festival

Application Process

Allow a minimum of 30 calendar days to process your application(s). Bring the following to the Recreation Services office:

• Completed community event permit application:
  • Events in Riverfront Park*: Community Event/Riverfront Park Permit Application
  • All other events: Community Event Permit Application
• Detailed site plan of the event including canopies, bleachers, chemical toilets, fencing, etc. For Riverfront Park events, a map is included in the application packet.
• Proof of insurance
• The permit application fees

*Note: special event regulations apply for use of the paved trail within Minto Island Conservation Area, which connects Riverfront Park to the more extensive trail network in Minto Brown Island Park. Please review the MICA event restrictions prior to completing an event permit application that includes use of this trail.

When your community event application is submitted, you may be advised about additional permits required for your event.

Short-Term Concessionaire Permit

If you plan to contract with food, craft, and other concession operations for your event, the following is required:

• You must provide the City with a list of the approved concessionaires for your event.
• Each vendor must submit the following at least 30 days before the event:
  • A short-term concessionaire permit application / solicitud de permiso de concesionario de corto plazo
  • Payment of the Daily Concessions Fee (pg 78)
  • Proof of insurance

Event Organizer Responsibilities

You are responsible for the following:

• Permits/Documents: Provide the City will all necessary permits and documents 30 days prior to the event.
• Clean-up: Event organizers shall make arrangements for the clean-up, disposal, and off-site removal of waste and garbage. The use of City services for this purpose shall be charged back to the organizers.
• Cost reimbursement: In addition to the application fees, you are responsible for reimbursing the City for actually costs caused by the event that require the City to exceed its usual staffing levels. This includes:
  • Opening and closing public right-of-ways
  • Directing or managing vehicle or pedestrian traffic
  • Litter and debris clean up