FAQ

How do I know what permit my event requires?

Start here, our website will explain everything you need to know to begin the permitting process, as well as if it is even necessary for your event.

How far in advance should I apply for a permit for my event? Is there a rush fee I can pay if I miss the deadline?

For outdoor festivals, 90 days out is the deadline. For assemblies and large gatherings, 30 days out is the deadline. Applications that are received after this cutoff will be automatically denied. There is no rush option.

How can I check the availability of a park for my outdoor festival?

The MOSE master calendar lists all events submitted to MOSE and, in some instances, their permit issuing status. Currently scheduled events are listed in the calendar, along with the date, time, location, and point of contact. If your desired park already has an event taking place on your desired date, the park is unavailable for that day. Only one permitted special event can take place in a park per day. [MOSE, please verify this statement]

Why does my permit take so long to process?

MOSE interfaces with several other City departments in order to sign off on the various sub-permits and plans necessary before approving an event permit. These departments have their own workloads and projects in addition to verifying documents and/or performing inspections for MOSE. This is one of the reasons why it is critical that you meet the application deadline for your event.

Why was my event permit application denied?

The number one reason why applications are denied is because applicants fail to submit the required documents by the deadline. Outdoor festival permit applications are due 90 days before the first day of the event. Assembly and large gathering permit applications are due 30 days before the first day of the event. For the most accurate date, start on the first event date and work backwards, with the day before the event as day one. Please allow adequate time to plan your event, keeping the application requirements in mind during the process.

I've submitted my application and application fee. What are the next steps?

Please visit this page to see a step-by-step explanation of the permitting process. Submitting an application and paying an application fee does NOT guarantee you will secure a permit or your desired location.

I want to shoot a movie/television show/music video. What permit do I need?

The Mayor's Office of Entertainment handles all entertainment-related permits. Please visit their site for more information, and thank you for choosing Atlanta for your production!

There's an event happening in my neighborhood and it is disruptively loud/my car or driveway is being blocked. Who can I contact?

We apologize for the possible disruption to your daily activities due to an event happening in your neighborhood. We can assure you that every single event that we permit is thoroughly vetted and given permission to operate in the agreed-upon location and timeframe. To report issues during an event, call 911 for immediate assistance.

What is an emergency medical plan?

It is an outline of the process that would happen if anyone attending the event were to become sick or injured during the event. Please see this FAQ, assembled by the Atlanta Fire & Rescue Department, for more answers.

I want to have a wedding and/or reception for x number of guests on my property. Will I need a permit?

Most weddings do not need a permit unless some aspect(s) of it will impact the public (such as parking on the street, sound amplification, etc.) or there are more than xx attendees. [MOSE, please give a more specific answer]

Who do I contact to organize a small event in a park, such as a family reunion, picnic, or birthday party?

The Department of Parks handles requests for small events in parks. Please visit the iPARCS website.

I'm a vendor and would like to sell my goods and/or services at upcoming events. Who do I get in touch with?

We do not coordinate vendors at events; that is up to the event organizers. Please visit the MOSE master calendar to view all scheduled events. The event listings on the calendar will show that event's point of contact. Please contact the event organizer directly to arrange for vending at the event.