1. Review the TUP Requirements and Resources and FAQs tabs.
2. Fill out the Special Event Proposal a minimum of 30 days prior to the event (60 days for events on the AMC Great Lawn). Please refer to the Special Event Proposal Instructions under the TUP Requirements and Resources tab for detailed instructions on how to fill out the proposal.
3. Wait for communication from the Parks, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Department.
4. If PROS provides conditional approval of the Event Proposal, you will be directed to complete the Temporary Use Permit application.
5. Wait for communication from multiple City departments as the application is reviewed. Each department may have its own fees and requirements and will reach out to the Event Organizer as needed. At this point, the Permit Department is the best contact for additional information and can be reached at TUP@AuroraGov.org or 303.739.7420. The Permit Department serves as a liaison between the Event Organizer and the city departments.
6. As you wait for reviews from other City departments, PROS will provide you with a Site Use Agreement to electronically sign. The Site Use Agreement will detail the finalized PROS Site Use Fee*.
7. Pay the Site Use Fee and any other accrued fees.
8. Wait for the final decision and permit from the Permit Department.
*The PROS Site Use Fee is separate from other departments’ fees that may be accrued.
The city of Aurora has the following parks and open spaces available for Special Events with a Temporary Use Permit. Sites are provided as-is and do not include any additional amenities such as electricity, water, etc. The event coordinator is responsible for determining the suitability of the site for the event.
*TUPs for the AMC Great Lawn do not include use of the parking garage.
**Not permitted Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend due to heavy use of splash pad.1. Do I need a Temporary Use Permit to reserve a park shelter?
Park shelters can be reserved without a Temporary Use Permit. A Temporary Use Permit may be required if:
- You plan on using a tent/canopy larger than 20'x20'.
- There will be goods or services for sale.
- The event is being advertised.
- You are using a food truck.
- An event that includes fundraising to benefit a non-profit organization.
- An event that includes advertising and/or promoting a commercial venture.
- Selling of any items and/or services (current copy of Aurora Business License and/or Tri-County Health Certificate will be requested prior to issuance of the Temporary Use Permit).
- You will have a DJ, live music, or other amplified sound such as a stage set up. Amplified sound is allowed at Bicentennial Park, Generals Park, and Utah Park and will require a permit.
If you are unsure if your park or open space event requires a permit or not, please contact us at ParkPermits@AuroraGov.org.
2. What is the cost of a Temporary Use Permit?
Events are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to establish a Site Use Fee for the event. The Site Use Fee is applied by the Parks, Recreation & Open Space department and does not include other departments' fees that may be accrued during the Temporary Use Permit process. Please fill out a Special Event Proposal for more information.
3. Do nonprofit organizations receive a discount?
Nonprofit fees are applied to verified Aurora-based nonprofits. Nonprofits will need to provide their headquarters' address and EIN.
4. How do I reserve a park shelter?
Twenty of the city's parks have reservable shelters with grills. All other shelters are free and first come, first served during park hours. Park shelters can be reserved at AuroraGov.org/ShelterRentals.
5. How do I reserve a shelter at Aurora Reservoir?
To reserve a shelter at the Aurora Reservoir for a private event, visit our Reservoirs Page HERE.
6. Do I need a Temporary Use Permit for a bounce house or other inflatables?
Bounce houses or other inflatables are allowed without an additional permit. Please secure items with weights or water jugs. Generators must be placed on a paved or gravel surface instead of grass.