Special Permits

The City of Lago Vista is a vibrant community that hosts a variety of large-scale events, including Lago Fest, concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, Christmas tree lightings, bicycle races, and family-friendly activities. As our city continues to grow, these special events enhance the quality of life for residents and stimulate the local economy.  

We are excited you have chosen to plan a special event in the City of Lago Vista. the purpose of the special event process is to ensure the safety of the general public attending your event and to assist you with the necessary City services to make your event a successful one. In order to obtain a Special Event Permit, you will need to complete an application form and supply information necessary for the City departments to understand the purpose and extend of your event. This packet was developed to provide guidance through the special even process. In general, any organized activity request city services or involving the use of, or having impact on public property, public facilities, or streets require a special event permit.  As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering a lively community spirit through these exciting events.

Special Events are events that:

• is an organized activity that makes a significant contribution to the cultural, economics, or social welfare of the city, which is to occur upon public property and include one of the following:
  • Set up of temporary structures, including, but not limited to, tents, stages, or fences.
  • Use of sound equipment in an area not fully enclosed by permanent, solid walls and roof
  • Provision of food or beverages, distribution services, or goods, including alcohol.
• Impact a city street, sidewalk, alley, walkway, or other city public right-of-way other than as permitted. 

Special Permit Information

The time and location for which the permit is valid shall be shown on the permit.

1. Application. An applicant for a special event permit shall file a written application with the Chief of Police using the form provided.
2. Fee. An applicant for, or the holder of, a special event permit shall pay a fee as outlined in the as part of our Master Fee schedule in the City’s Budget, available here
3. Investigation. After inspection or investigation, the Chief of Police shall approve or deny an application for a special event permit. If such an application is approved, the chief of police shall issue a special event permit, which shall state on its face the name of the person to whom it is granted and the expiration date. The chief of police shall designate on such permit the location at which the special event is permitted.
4. Revocation. The holder of a special event permit who fails to comply with this article of the City or who violates any laws, ordinances, or regulations of the City that directly relate to the duties and responsibilities of the permitted sales or solicitations shall have the special event permit immediately revoked. Such holder shall immediately return said special event permit to the Police Chief.
5. Compliance With Article. Except for the permitting requirements, the applicant for a special event permit and/or the holder of a special event permit shall comply with all of the sections of this article and other ordinances of the City.

Applicants will be notified if their permit has been approved or denied. If an application is submitted after 5 p.m. on Thursday, the review will be done the following Monday, and notification will be made on the next business day.

Application:

To apply for a special permit, you must complete an application:

1. Apply for a special permit by filling out our online form (mobile-friendly), downloading our fillable PDF, or in person at the Lago Vista Police Department, 5901 Municipal Complex Way, Lago Vista, TX 78645

Special Permits:

$25.00   

Permit Fees

Special Event Permit fees are approved as part of our Master Fee schedule in the City’s Budget, available here. 

Please take note of the following information regarding payment options for the Lago Vista Police Department: 

You can make payments online, in person, or using exact cash, checks, or money orders for the full amount. 

1. Make checks, money orders, and cashier's checks payable to the City of Lago Vista.

2. You can also make online payments through our easy pay option under the Police Department. Please be aware that there will be additional processing fees for online payments after the special permit is approved by the Chief of Police.

Why a Special Event Permit? 

The City of Lago Vista requires special permits for various activities, events, or uses that could impact public safety, traffic, noise levels, or other community concerns. Some common types of permits that may require approval from a police chief or law enforcement authority include:

Public Safety: The permit process allows the City of Lago Vista to assess potential safety concerns, such as crowd control, emergency access, and overall public health considerations. 

1 Special Event Permits: These are for large gatherings, parades, festivals, or public events that may require crowd control or traffic management.

2. Street Closure Permits/Traffic Management: These are for events requiring the closure of public streets, necessitating traffic and public safety planning. A permit allows the City of Lago Vista to plan for traffic management and ensures safe access to the area. 

3. Site Appropriateness: Certain locations may not be suitable for specific events. A permit ensures the venue is appropriate and safe for the intended activity. 

4. Alcohol Permits: These are required for events where alcohol will be served, and police oversight may be required to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. 

5. Outdoor Entertainment Permits: These are for live music, performances, or other entertainment that could create noise or crowd management issues. 

6. Temporary Use Permits: These are for temporary activities such as food trucks, pop-up shops, or other non-permanent installations that may impact public spaces. 

7. Fireworks Permits: For fireworks events, which often require careful planning and safety measures.

8. Parade or March Permits: These are for organized marches or parades, which require coordination with law enforcement for safety and traffic control. 

9. Compliance with Local Laws: Special permits help ensure that events comply with zoning laws, health regulations, and other local ordinances. 

Approval from the Chief of Police involves a review of the potential impacts on public safety and order.