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City of Rochester permitting policy for events on City-Owned Property

The City of Rochester is committed to ensuring that our community can safely enjoy City parks, trails, athletic fields, courts, shelters, and lodges. While parks are free and open to the public, the permitting guidelines below ensure that our public spaces remain accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Helpful terms

Types of events

Private Event

Examples: Birthday parties, graduation parties, baby showers. 

  • Invite only from the event organizer. Event cannot be advertised to the public, including promoting on social media or handing out flyers. 

Public Event

Examples: Festivals, concerts, walks, runs, parades, health fairs, rallies, demonstrations, giveaways, or sports tournaments. 

  • Open to the public with the intent to advertise via social media, physical flyers, or other means of promotion.
  • May feature any of the following: vending, food sales or giveaways, alcohol, admission ticket or registration fees.

Types of permits

Parks, Athletic Fields, and Lodge Permit 

  • Issued by the Dept. of Recreation & Human Services
  • Deadline to Apply: 14 days prior to event 
    • Reservation of a city park, trail, athletic field, court, shelter, or lodge to ensure another event is not booked at the same time. 

Special Event Permit

  • Issued by the Office of Special Events; reviewed by the Rochester Police and Fire Departments
  • Deadline to apply: Depending on the nature and size of the event as well as the applicant’s ability to provide required documentation, permit review process may take up to 4 months prior to the event.  
    • Permit required for large events and any events open to the public on City property. 

Permitting policy FAQ

When can I reserve a lodge for an event?

  1. If it is a private event. 
  2. If there is no selling or giving away food, beverages, or any other items. 
  3. If there is no vending of any kind. 
  4. If there is not an entrance fee or ticket of any kind, including pre-sales. 

Obtain a Lodge Permit to reserve the space. If your private event includes bounce houses or any related items, you are also required to provide general liability insurance in addition to the lodge permit.

When do I need a permit to use a City park, athletic court/field, trail, outside shelter? 

Private Events:

  • Obtain a Parks and Athletic Field Permit to reserve the space. 
    • If your private event includes bounce houses or any related items, you are required to provide general liability insurance.

When do I need a permit to use a City park, athletic court/field, trail, shelter, and lodge?

Public Events (regardless of attendance):

  1. Obtain a Parks and Athletic Field Permit 
  2. Obtain a Special Events Permit 
    • Requires general liability insurance and security staffing. 

Park, Athletic Field, and Lodge Permit

Special Events Permit 

What happens if I don't get a permit?

  • Your event will not be allowed to proceed. 
  • City Security or Police may break up your event and direct those in attendance to leave the area. 
  • You may be issued a Municipal Code Violation Ticket for holding an event without a permit. 
  • You may be barred from using Parks facilities in the future.

Back to Office of Special Events