Special Event Permits

Special Event Permits

The City of Sandy Springs welcomes special events that foster community engagement, civic pride, and economic activity.

A Special Event is an activity held on public or private property that affects the normal use of public streets, rights-of-way, sidewalks, City resources, or public safety operations.

Examples of Special Events

• Arts festivals
• Bicycle races
• Business promotional events
• Concerts
• Fairs
• Grand opening celebrations
• Holiday celebrations
• Marches
• Parades
• Processions and motorcades
• Runs and walks
• Tours
• Film productions

Permit applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the proposed event date and no more than one year in advance. Incomplete applications may delay the review process and impact event approval or date availability.

Events in Parks and City Facilities

For events held in City parks, contact recreation@sandyspringsga.gov.

For events at City Springs facilities, complete the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center Event Inquiry Form .

Event Classifications

Special Events are categorized using a tier system based on attendance, operational impacts, and event activities.

Tier I Events

• Events affecting a limited area within a parking lot or park
• Events that do not require street closures, off-site parking, or alcohol service
• Events on private property requiring City staff support but no road closures or alcohol service
• Events with fewer than 500 attendees

Tier II Events

• Events expecting more than 500 attendees
• Events involving street closures or off-site parking
• Events requiring public safety support
• Events with amplified music
• Events serving alcohol
• Events using fireworks

Apply for a Special Event Permit

Apply through the Online Permitting Portal .

Questions may be directed to specialevents@sandyspringsga.gov.

Applicants may also schedule an appointment with the Planner of the Day for assistance with Special Event Permit applications.

Required Supporting Documentation

Submit all required documentation with the permit application or by email to specialevents@sandyspringsga.gov.

• Certificate of insurance
• Site plan showing first aid, waste collection, restrooms, crowd control measures, tents, and signage
• Property owner authorization, if applicable
• Parking plan
• Road closure communication plan
• Security and first aid plan
• Alcohol fee payment, if applicable
• Traffic plan, if applicable
• Race route information, if applicable
• Temporary sign permit, if applicable
• Tent permit application, if applicable
• Approved food permit documentation, if applicable

City Resources

• Fire Marshal's Office
• Off-Duty Police Officer Request Form
• Recreation and Parks Facility Rentals
• City Springs Facility Rentals
• QLess Appointment Scheduling
• Film Production Permits
• Vendor Information for Events
• Food and Alcohol Vendor Verification List (PDF)

Policies and Additional Resources

• Special Event Permit Policy (PDF)
• Film Production Permit Policy (PDF)
• Special Events Ordinance
• Alcohol Vendor Ordinance
• FAA Drone Information
• Public Transportation Information

Approved Race Routes

Organizers planning races, walks, festivals, or similar events should verify that proposed routes are not affected by construction projects before submitting an application. 

The City maintains several pre-approved race routes. Modifications to these routes must be reviewed and approved in advance.

1. Downtown Route – Sandy Springs Circle and Lake Forrest Drive (2.95 km)
2. Perimeter North Route – Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Concourse Parkway (1.85 km)
3. Central 400 Route – Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Glenridge Drive (4.95 km)
4. Crestline Parkway Route – Peachtree Dunwoody Road and Barfield Road (4.00 km)
5. Alternate Central 400 Route – Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Barfield Road, and Mount Vernon Highway (3.92 km)

Contact Information

Sarah Weigle
Call Center: (770) 730-5600