Denver isn’t the only municipality . Communities across the Front Range are looking at their policies regarding special-use permits as they try to balance being the ultimate party host while not alienating neighbors.
Special events on public property — such as 5K walks, music and food festivals, and cultural heritage gatherings — have exploded along the Front Range in recent years.
Cities are grappling with the demands such events place on government resources like policing, emergency response, traffic and parking.
Requests to hold events are up from Golden to Aurora since Denver placed a moratorium on new runs, walks or bicycle races last year, as well as this year adding at certain venues.
In Golden, a city of 19,000 residents which has about 75 events annually, a moratorium has been placed on new events, and the city is in the process of hiring a part-time special events coordinator.
“We have residents who say there are far too many events already,” said Karlyn Tilley, a spokeswoman for Golden. “Others want to shut down streets and do half-marathons.”
The moratorium will give officials, residents and business owners “a little breathing room” as the city looks at ordinances and criteria in relation to events, she said.
“What is good for Golden?” Tilley said. “What do we need to do?”
Golden hosts big events, including its on Washington Avenue as well as
A recent request for a “pizza and pints” beer festival in a local park, which organizers expected to draw a crowd of 2,000, was turned down because of the moratorium.
The requests have been increasing, Tilley said. “We’ve seen a steady increase as Golden gains popularity … it’s becoming an increasingly popular place to hold events.”
In Greenwood Village, the City Council has had two recent study sessions in relation to events.
“What we’re addressing is: What do our current ordinances say we can, and cannot, do?” said Cathy Pate, Greenwood Village recreation manager.
Greenwood Village hosts a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K walk, among other events.
Officials in Greenwood Village are currently looking at street- and trail-use permit language, as inquiries from event organizers are on the rise.
In Aurora, which has about 325,000 residents, the city budgets just under $200,000 annually for its five signature events, including the Fourth of July Spectacular.
“There is an increase in permit requests,” said Sherri-Jo Stowell, a marketing specialist with Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space.
Stowell said perhaps a “handful” of the new requests could be linked to denials elsewhere.
In Brighton, which has between 20 and 30 events annually, including its own signature events, it’s been business as usual, said Kristen Chernosky, a city spokeswoman.
Lakewood, which puts on an annual for some 10,000 visitors among other signature events, is seeing an increase in event permit inquiries and requests.
Castle Rock is looking to hire a new special events manager.
“We are moving toward a more coordinated effort,” said Karen Carter, Castle Rock community relations manager. “We do place value as a community on hosting special events and managing them.”
