Special Events FAQs

  1. Who do I speak with in the fire department if I’m thinking about having an event? 

Miles Davis, the Special Events Captain can be reached at 513-263-8064.  

  1. Are event permits available online? 

Yes. Under-Department, Fire, Special Event Permit, the Fireworks/Pyrotechnics, Public assembly and, Temporary Food Service permits are all available.

  1. Are there fees associated with event permits? 

Yes. On June 4, 2014, Cincinnati City Council passed Ordinance 0116-2014 which increased fire permit fees in the City of Cincinnati from $100 to $125.

  1. Do I need insurance for an event? 

Yes. The city requires insurance coverage for events held on city property.  Your private insurance carrier should be familiar with the Accord 25 form and the Certificate of Insurance (COI) process 

  1. Are event permits explained in the Cincinnati Municipal Code? 

Yes. Chapter 765 – Special Events; Section 510-3 – Special Parades; and Section 506-91 – Street Fetes explain the specific requirement by ordinance for a permit 

  1. Who do I contact if I’m thinking about having an event on Fountain Square? 

Use Permits for Fountain Square are explained at myfountainsquare.com or 3CDC.org.

  1. Who do I contact if I’m thinking about having an event at Washington Park? 

Use Permits for Washington Park are explained at 3CDC.org or the Cincinnati Parks website. 

  1. Who do I contact for other usages of the sidewalk or street in the city? 

The city’s Transportation & Engineering Department, Right of Way group can be reached at 513-352-3463.

Cincinnati Fire Department Mission Statement

"The mission of the Cincinnati Fire Department is to protect lives and property, and to minimize the suffering of its customers during emergencies. The Cincinnati Fire Department strives to quickly restore normalcy to its customers' lives by responding to their needs in an expeditious manner."


The Cincinnati Fire Department was organized in 1853 and is the nation's oldest fully paid professional fire department, which is why we are proud to be "First in the Nation."Cincinnati Fire Department

The CFD continues to seek new methods and ideas to improve and increase the level of services provided to the citizens of this community. It will continue to provide its hallmark prompt, courteous and professional service that is consistent with the CFD’s tradition and the City of Cincinnati’s high standards.

Read More