DOB is responsible for the review of all structures associated with special events that occur in the District of Columbia in coordination with the Mayor’s Special Events Task Group (MSETG). If you are seeking to hold an event utilizing public space, you must obtain a public space permit through the District Department of Transportation (DDOT).
If you plan to have a Special Event that includes structures (tents, stages, and/or generators), you are required to obtain a permit from DOB. Special events are identified by the Mayor’s Special Event Task Group. All First Amendment activities are managed by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
Getting Started
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Please ensure you have registered with Access DC, our single sign-on account.
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Once registered, you must submit a tent application that includes all structures (tents and stages) and generators. Upon submission of your application, you will be required to upload all documents via our ProjectDox system for plan review.
Completing the Special Event Permit Process
- Submit a tent application in the Citizen Access Portal: this application must be completed for all tents, stages, bleachers, and other structures for your event. Be sure to list the number of each structure.
- Upload Documents for Plan Review: once your application is accepted, you will receive an invitation to upload all documents. Click here to view the Document Requirements.
- Once approved, you will be notified that payment is ready: upon payment, your Tent (TN) permit will be issued. For information on payment relief, please visit the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development's website.
- If you plan to have generators, an electrical permit is required and must be obtained by a master electrician.+
Fee Schedule
The below fees apply for temporary installations, decorations, lawn fetes, bleachers, and other miscellaneous items:
| Description | Fee Amount |
| Temporary Installations, Decorations, Lawn Fetes, etc. | |
| 1-25 lights | $33 for the first 90 days; $16 for each additional 90 days or more |
| 26-50 lights | $39 for the first 90 days; $20 for each additional 90 days or more |
| 51-100 lights | $55 for the first 90 days; $28 for each additional 90 days or more |
| Each additional 100 lights | $20 for the first 90 days; $8 for each additional 90 days or more |
| Use of current on wiring, apparatus, and fixtures for use pending installation completion | $55 for the first 90 days; $28 for each additional 90 days |
| Circus or carnival (special events) | $125 for up to 50 kW; $125 for each additional 100 kW |
| Exhibition | $60 for up to 3,000 square feet; $33 for each additional 1,000 square feet |
| Building Structures and Equipment | ||||
| Description | Fee Description | Fee Amount | Enhanced Fee | Total |
| Grandstand (Bleachers) | 100 or fewer seats | $33 | 10% additional | $36.30 |
| 101-500 seats | $65 | 10% additional | $71.50 | |
| 501-1,000 seats | $100 | 10% additional | $110.00 | |
| Each additional 1,000 seats | $33 | 10% additional | $36.30 | |
| Miscellaneous (antenna, kiosk, pole, satellite dish, temporary barricade / fence / trailer / sidewalk / shed / bridge / tent / tower crane / stages) | $33 each | 10% additional | $36.30 | |
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Mr. Keith Slade with your permit number, details of your event, and the event organizer’s contact information.
DOB Special Event Contact:
Keith Slade
(202) 409-0019
Resources
- Required Documents
- Tent Submission Requirements
- Citizen Access Application Instructions
- ProjectDox Instructions