This page contains information relating to Sussex County’s oversight of special events. Anyone considering hosting a special event is encouraged to review the Special Event & Public Safety Services Policies and Procedures below, prior to submitting an online application form.
In 2018, the County updated the Special Event Ordinance and Policy to improve the application process, as well as the oversight of the numerous events that take place annually in Sussex County. The following is a brief summary of the process, as well as steps on how to submit a Special Events permit application:
The County will review each special event on a case-by-case basis to make the following determinations, per County Code:
All special events are different and require varying levels of coverage. Not all events will require public safety coverage or a land-use review.
Sussex County provides EMS coverage for a number of mass gathering events throughout the county each year. In order to provide medical coverage during these events, Sussex County EMS developed a Special Events (SET) and Bike Medic Team during the spring of 1999.
Special Events and Bike medics provide a rapid emergency medical response to sick and injured persons when conventional means are not possible due to such things as terrain, foot and vehicle traffic.
Sussex County EMS Special Event Paramedics also use all terrain vehicles for providing medical care, and in some cases, transportation of patients during special events. The type of vehicle used, and number of paramedics required, is dependent on the size and nature of the event.
Each Bike Team member attends rigorous training led by our own specially trained bike instructor who is certified by the International Police Mountain Bike Association (IPMBA). The bike instruction provided includes techniques such as operating in heavy traffic, evasive maneuvers, biking “rules of the road,” and maneuvering around large crowds and obstacles.
Bike and Special Event medics are able to provide prompt advanced life support until a conventional Paramedic unit arrives on scene. The Sussex County EMS Special Events Team has been used at numerous events over the last several years, including:
The permit process allows the County to review the event to ensure it is permitted under County Code. It also allows the County to oversee events in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare and schedule adequate services such as paramedics and 911 dispatchers. The permit process allows the County to alert other support services, such as the fire and ambulance companies, police, and DelDOT of the special event.
A permit may be required for a special event of a certain size and nature held outdoors or within a temporary structure or in a location that is for a purpose different from the permitted use and usual occupancy of that location.
Any event held inside the boundaries of a town or city in Sussex County. Any event held on public property such as federal, state or county owned land, or on land owned and occupied by a school. Any event sponsored by a town, city, or chamber of commerce and held within the boundaries of a town or city in Sussex County. Any event held at a location or in a facility that is customarily used for said events, such as athletic events in a stadium or on fields or receptions and parties at a commercial venue. Any event held on private property that involves a customary and temporary private event such as a wedding, family gathering, or party, when such an event is not held for business or commercial purposes. Any event held at a location and facility that is customarily used for events involving the gathering of people, such as, volunteer fire companies, veteran’s organizations, religious or charitable organizations, or fraternal societies.
The Special Event Permit only allows up to three (3) days of operation in one calendar year on any single property. Operation is defined as the event is open for business, or entry to the event is permitted, or entry tickets are required, etc. Days required for set-up and tear-down for the event are not included in the days of operation limit. The property shall return to its normal and customary use within seven (7) days after the last day of operation.
Proper County approval is required prior to hosting a qualified special event. If a Special Event is not approved, that denial can be appealed to the Sussex County Board of Adjustment. However, aggrieved applicants should be aware such an appeal can be time consuming. Additional permission can come in the form of an approved Conditional Use or an approved Change of Zone. These approvals require an affirmative vote from the County Council (among other requirements) and require significant time and effort to receive, therefore applicants should plan accordingly.
A Special Event Application must be completed to begin the permit review process. The Application is available from the Sussex County website or at the Planning & Zoning Department. Applications are required sixty (60) days prior to the special event.
To request Public Safety Services, an applicant must fill out the Special Event Application and the Special Operations Coordinator will contact the Event Coordinator to review the Public Safety Services request.
If you have any questions about the need for Public Safety Services, contact the Special Operations Coordinator at (302) 854-5255
No, the County does not require or regulate insurance coverage. Insurance coverage is encouraged but is a decision of the Event Coordinator.
Each event varies and the Event Coordinator is responsible for acquiring all necessary approvals from any agencies with jurisdictional authority over the proposed event. Sussex County only reviews the event for consideration of the zoning requirements and public safety coverage. All other requirements, such as police, transportation, public health, alcohol, agriculture, natural resources, fall under the purview of other jurisdictions.
Yes and no. To ensure an agency is aware of an event taking place in Sussex County, the County does send a courtesy copy of the Special Event Application to support agencies. Depending on the nature of the event, the County will contact and coordinate coverage with its public safety partners, including the local fire company, ambulance company, Delaware State Police, and DelDOT, as may be appropriate. Nonetheless, it is the Event Coordinator’s responsibility to receive all agency approvals prior to the event.
Common agencies used for special events are listed below with contact information:
Del. Alcoholic Beverage Control: (302) 577-5222
Del. Fire Marshal: (302) 856-5298
Del. Division of Public Health: (302) 515-3300
Del. State Police: (302) 672-5460 / DSPPayJobAdmin@CYAUSA.com
Del. Dept. of Transportation: (302) 760-2080 / DOT_SpecialEvents@STATE.DE.US
If you are not sure the event needs a permit, contact the Planning & Zoning Department (302.855.7878). Staff may be able to assist you with determining the need.
After your completed Special Event Application is received, Sussex County will verify receipt.