Mass Gathering Permit Application

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Application

Permit Process for Gatherings of 2,500 or More

A Mass Gathering is defined under the Health & Safety Code, Chapter 751 (the Code) as an event that can be defined by the following three conditions:

A gathering that is held outside the limits of a municipality;

AND

A gathering that attracts or is expected to attract more than 2,500 persons; or more than 500 persons, if 51 percent or more of those persons expected to be younger than 21 years of age and it is expected that alcoholic beverages will be sold, served, or consumed at or around the gathering;

AND

A gathering where participants will remain for more than five continuous hours; or for any amount of time from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

An application from the coordinator, manager, organizer, or promoter of such an event must be turned into the County's Judge's office a minimum of forty-five (45) days before the event.

A public hearing will be conducted not later than (10) days before the event. A person may not promote a mass gathering without a permit issued by the county Judge pursuant to § 751.003 of the Code. The Office of the County Judge will coordinate the meeting with the cooperation of the event promoter and the hearing will be posted as a public meeting.

Representatives from the county environmental health department, health department, fire marshal, Sheriff's Office and District Attorney's Office will attend the public hearing to ensure that the minimum standards in health and sanitation; fire safety; and public safety and order, are maintained at the gathering as prescribed by state and local laws, rules and orders.

Following the public hearing the County Judge will grant or deny the permit as authorized under the Health & Safety Code § 751.007.