Special Event Permits

Special event permits allow you to hold short-term events at your business. Our review process ensures that the event will not be disruptive or incompatible with surrounding neighborhoods and businesses.

  • The total duration of events for any one business: Up to four events totaling up to 14 weeks per year. 

  • The total duration of allowable events in one shopping center: 26 weeks per year. All events of individual businesses in the shopping center will be counted toward the shopping center’s total.

  • We may approve temporary signs and attention-getting devices as part of your event, and they do not require separate sign permits.

  • You must provide adequate parking for your event without creating a parking shortage for other business owners.

  • If you are using parking from neighboring business, you must have written permission from each owner.


Registration-only special event

Two types of events may allow you to simply register your event with us. This includes:

  • Simple events, such as ribbon cuttings, open houses or non-profit fundraising activities

  • Recurring events with no changes other than date and time, as long as the previous event did not result in any problems.

To see if your event qualifies as registration-only, please call our Customer Service staff at 913.477.7500.


Type 1 special event

This includes fundraising activities, grand opening and going-out-of-business sales, sidewalk and parking lot sales, seasonal sales (Christmas trees, pumpkins, plants, etc.), auctions and estate sales, walks, runs, bike tours and races.

Duration of Type 1 events

Most Type 1 events cannot exceed seven days, and the hours of operation must be compatible with surrounding land uses. Other time frames to be aware of:

  • Christmas tree and pumpkin sales: six weeks

  • Live plant sales: 14 weeks 

Apply for a Type 1 permit

1. Complete a Special Event Permit Application

2. At least 15 days before your event, mail or bring your completed application, along with plans and supporting documents, to:

Lenexa City Hall

17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66219

3. We will review your application to ensure it complies with city codes and is compatible with the surrounding properties. Our Police, Fire, Parks, Legal and Municipal Services departments will also review your application.


Type 2 special event

This includes events such as concerts, circuses, street fairs, carnivals or festivals. These types of events require the approval of the Lenexa City Council.

Duration of Type 2 events

There is no set duration for Type 2 events. Once we receive your application, the Community Development Director will make a recommendation, and the Lenexa City Council will make the final decision.

Apply for a Type 2 permit

1. Complete a Special Event Permit Application

2. At least 30 days before your event, mail or bring your completed application, along with plans and supporting documents, to:

Lenexa City Hall

17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy.

Lenexa, KS 66219

3. We will review your application to ensure it complies with city codes and is compatible with the surrounding properties. Our Police, Fire, Parks, Legal and Municipal Services departments will also review your application.


Residential block party permits

We allow block parties on some residential streets, such as cul-de-sacs and non-through streets, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Block Party Permit Application

  • You must abide by all laws and city ordinances, including noise ordinances (Article 3-9-E-3 of the Lenexa City Code).

  • If your application is approved, you will be required to use two approved Type III traffic control barricades at each street closure location. We will loan these to you the Friday before your block party, and you must return them to us on the Monday after your block party.


Events that do not require a permit

Certain types of events do not require you to get a special event permit, but we do ask you to contact us with the date and time of the event, so we can ensure adequate emergency response, if needed. This includes:

  • Groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting ceremonies or other events celebrating the beginning or completing of the construction of a new facility.

  • Auctions and estate sales held inside existing buildings that will not generate traffic or parking issues in the surrounding neighborhood.

  • The Parade of Homes does not require a special event permit.