The DC government issues licenses and permits for street vending and special
events involving street or ally closings, parades, block parties, or
fireworks. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issues
special-event licenses, for which there is a fee. Public space permits for
smaller events, such as block parties, are free and issued by the Emergency
Management Agency (EMA). There is currently a moratorium on street vending
licenses; when available, they are issued by DCRA. Applications for all
licenses and permits may be obtained at the DCRA, 941 North Capitol Street,
NE Washington, DC 20002, (202) 442-4400. Appointments are preferable.
The Emergency Management Agency issues public space permits to applicants who meet these criteria:
they obtained the written consent of 51 percent of present occupants of the block to be closed for the event; and
they obtained the consent of appropriate District agencies and departments, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS), Metro, and the Department of Public Works (DPW).
Currently there is no cost for this permit. However, the Metropolitan Police Department may demand information on the scope of your activity, require you to absorb the cost of the officers needed to close the street, and any other security detail that may be required.
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issues special event licenses. The basic cost of the license is $205 per day.
Applicants must obtain:
written consent of 90 percent of the businesses and residents within a 500-foot radius of the perimeter of the event; and
written consent of the owner of the property; should your event take place in the street, you would need a street closing (see Public Space Permit); and
a diagram depicting the layout of your event.
Depending on the event's complexity, you may be required to obtain
construction and electrical permits. The cost of the electrical permit
varies; however the cost for the construction permit is $33 per item.
You will need a construction or electrical permit if you will:
use a generator that produces in excess of 15 amps;
use tents, canopies, and kiosk staging.
Plans must indicate dimensions and show how tents, if used, would be secured.
If your proposed structure exceeds 1,400 square feet, you will be required to have your plans stamped by a licensed DC structural engineer. Additionally, depending on the complexity of your event, you may be required to hire a licensed DC master electrician.
Approvals may be required from the Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) department, the Department of Health (DOH), the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Office of Tax and Revenue, and in some instances various federal agencies.
All event sponsors must make a presentation before the Mayor's Special Event Task Group. The body meets the second and fourth Monday of each month. All event sponsors must make an appointment by calling Tanya Mitchell at (202) 727-6161.
Pursuant to DC Law 12-86, Omnibus Regulatory Reform Amendment Act of 1998, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has placed a moratorium on the issuance all new vending licenses. We do not know at this time when that moratorium will be lifted.
Applications for all licenses and permits may be obtained at the DCRA. Appointments are preferable.
