Event Permit Requirements
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Events may be permitted pending the submission of a completed application and approval by the commission.
When to Apply for an Event Permit
If the event meets any one of the following, complete the Event Application. (Not an exhaustive list.)
- The public is invited or encouraged to attend (includes access provided by pre-registration/registration, ticket sales, etc.)
- Expected attendance of at least 250 persons at any one time
- Anticipate 3 or more vendors will be onsite
- Tournament or multi-team sport competition.
- Anticipated road crossing or road closures (walks, races, pedestrian crossings)
- Access needed to multiple areas of the park/facility
- Significant park/facility or community impact
- Intent to use a park/facility for something other than its intended purpose.
Examples: Festivals, Resource Fairs, Corporate Events, Charity Events, Exhibitions, Sports and Competitions, etc.
Application Process
The process starts when the application and a draft of the supporting documents has been submitted (additional documents may be required).
- Completed applications and the supporting documentation can be sent to events@morrisparks.net.
- Event Applications are accepted starting on November 1st for the following year. The recommended due date is December 1st
The completed application and documents will be reviewed.
- Event Applications are due at least 60 days prior to the event.
- New events must be reviewed by a Director, the Executive Director and/or the Commission which may take up to 60 days.
Upon approval MCPC staff will provide assistance to the event organizer to ensure the event meets all requirements.
An invoice will be generated to confirm the times, dates, location and payment.
Fees
Fees are assessed based on the needs of the event.
The fees will include:
- Refundable Deposit/s
- Reservation Fee/s
- Event Fee
- Additional Fees – may include Portable Restrooms, Maintenance Worker/s, Police Officer/s, Alcohol Permit, Vendor Permits, etc.
Application
When to Apply for a Turf Tournament or Showcase
If the event meets any one of the following, complete the Turf Tournament/Event Application. (Not an exhaustive list.)
- Field use includes a series of games or competitions as part of a larger event
- The public is invited or encouraged to attend (includes access provided by pre-registration/registration, ticket sales, etc.
- Expected attendance of at least 250 persons at any one time
- Anticipate 2 or more vendors will be onsite
- Access needed to multiple areas of the park/facility
- Significant park/facility or community impact
- Intent to use a park/facility for something other than its intended purpose
Application Process
The process starts when the application and a draft of the supporting documents has been submitted (additional documents may be required).
- Completed applications and the supporting documentation can be sent to events@morrisparks.net.
- Event Applications are accepted starting on November 1st for the following year. The recommended due date is December 1st
The completed application and documents will be reviewed.
- Event Applications are due at least 60 days prior to the event.
- New events must be reviewed by a Director, the Executive Director and/or the Commission which may take up to 60 days.
Upon approval MCPC staff will provide assistance to the event organizer to ensure the event meets all requirements.
An invoice will be generated to confirm the times, dates, location and payment.
Fees
Fees are assessed based on the needs of the event.
The fees will include:
- Refundable Deposit/s
- Reservation Fee/s
- Tournament Fee and/or Event Fee
- Additional Fees – may include Portable Restrooms, Maintenance Worker/s, Police Officer/s, Alcohol Permit, Vendor Permits, etc.
Application
Vendors are only permitted to be on park and facility premises with the approval of the park commission.
When to Apply for a Vendor Permit
A Vendor or Exhibitor meets any one of the following (not an exhaustive list):
- Merchandise Vendors – T-shirt sales, Mary Kay sales, etc
- Rental Company – providing tents, tables, chairs, etc
- Exhibitor – setting up tables or displays, handing out flyers, etc.
- Entertainment – DJ or Band, Bounce Houses, Game Trucks, etc.
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Timing Service or Company
- Physical Trainer
- Food or Beverage Provider
- Artists displaying and/or selling artwork or craft items.
- Sponsor or any outside business, club or team that will be onsite.
Vendors/Exhibitors may only attend picnics, weddings, rentals and events when contracted by the permit holder.
Once contracted all Vendors/Exhibitors that will be in the park or at the facility must complete the application and receive a permit prior to arrival.
Application Process
The process starts when the application and a draft of the supporting documents has been submitted (additional documents may be required).
- Completed Applications and the supporting documentation can be sent to events@morrisparks.net
The completed application and documents will be reviewed.
- Applications take 7-14 working days to process.
Upon approval MCPC staff will provide assistance to ensure all requirements are met prior to receiving permit.
An invoice will be generated to confirm the times, dates, location and payment.
Food/Beverage Vendors are required to comply with all local health requirements. Contact the local health department for the park or facility attending.
Fees
A fee will apply to all Vendors/Exhibitors collecting money on site.
- Vendor Fee – $35.00 per vendor, per day
Food and Beverage vendors are only permitted to be on park and facility premises with the approval of the park commission.
When to Apply for a Food/Beverage Permit
A Food or Beverage Vendor meets any one of the following (not an exhaustive list):
- Caterer
- Food Truck or Trailer
- Food provided and served by a Company or Business
- Beverage Truck or Trailer
- Beverage provided and served by a Company or Business
- Pet Treats
- Any ingestible product sold or provided to the public.
Food/Beverage Vendors may only attend picnics, weddings, rentals and events when contracted by the permit holder.
Once contracted all Food/Beverage Vendors that will be in the park or at the facility must complete the application and receive a permit prior to arrival.
Application Process
The process starts when the application and a draft of the supporting documents has been submitted (additional documents may be required).
- Completed Applications and the supporting documentation can be sent to events@morrisparks.net
The completed application and documents will be reviewed.
- Applications take 7-14 working days to process.
Upon approval MCPC staff will provide assistance to ensure all requirements are met prior to receiving permit.
An invoice will be generated to confirm the times, dates, location and payment.
Food/Beverage Vendors are required to comply with all local health requirements. Contact the local health department for the park or facility attending.
Fees
A fee will apply to all Vendors/Exhibitors collecting money on site.
- Vendor Fee – $35.00 per vendor, per day
Additional Insurance Requirements
Named Endorsement – CG 20 10, CG 20 26 or the equivalent listing the Morris County Park Commission and the County of Morris as additionally insured is required.
Click below for more information.
The Morris County Fire Marshal may be contacted with questions about Tent and/or Cooking applications, permitting or review. Some applicants will receive a permit after an onsite inspection is done by one of the Morris County Fire Marshals.
Important things to think about when planning an activity with a tent, flame or cooking.
- Tent size and occupant load
- Tent Egress
- Combustibles and open flames
- Generator placement
- Fire extinguishers
Tent and Cooking Assessment Checklist:
- If no permit is required – Send completed checklist to Morris County Fire Marshal’s office and keep a signed copy on site the day of the activity.
- If a permit is required – submit Cooking/Tent Fire Permit Application at least 7 working days prior to activity.
Cooking/Tent Fire Permit Application:
- Must submit complete diagram with application
- Must submit Flame Resistant Certification with application
- Application must be received at least 7 working days prior to the activity
**If you or your caterer plan to use solid alcohol fuel cans (e.g., Sterno) for food heating, you must review this procedure.**
When to Apply for a Tent/Cooking Permit
A Morris County Fire Marshal must be contacted when at least one of the following is met (not an exhaustive list):
- If a propane grill will be brought into a park or facility (MCPC only permits commercial propane grills)
- If a generator will be used in a park or facility
- When food vendors are cooking in a park or facility
- If a tent is 900 square feet (applies when small tents are places side byside)
- When a tent has a dimension of 30’ or greater (applies when small tents are places side by side)
- If a tent has sidewalls or drops on more than 25% of the perimeter
Note: Indoor events floor plans and head counts may be submitted by the MCPC to the MC Fire Marshal for review and crowd assessment.
Application Process
Applicants may be the renter organizing the Picnic, Indoor Rental, Event or Wedding.
Most applicants will be vendors providing one of the following services.
- Rentals – Tent rentals and installations
- Food/Beverage Vendors – Caterers (when cooking on site),
- Food/Beverage Trucks and Trailers, etc.
Applications should be completed and sent to the Morris County Fire Marshals office.
Fees
Fees are assessed based on the permit needed.
- Tent Fee – $135
- Tent Refundable Deposit – $250
- Vendor Fee (Food/Beverage Vendors collecting money on site) –
$30 per vendor, per day
Morris County Fire Marshal’s Office may have its own set of fees for applications/permits.
Additional Insurance Requirements
Named Endorsement – CG 20 10, CG 20 26 or the equivalent listing the Morris County Park Commission and the County of Morris as additionally insured is required.
Click below for more information.
The Morris County Park Commission does not issue health permits but does require the renter/vendor to follow local health department regulations. The renter organizing the Picnic, Indoor Rental, Event or Wedding and/or the vendor providing the food service will need to contact the local health department for the park or facility that they are going to be operating in.
The local health department may be contacted with questions about applications, permitting/licensing or review.
Some local health departments will need to complete and onsite inspection the day of the activity in the park or facility.
Application Process
Applicants may be the renter organizing the Picnic, Indoor Rental, Event or Wedding.
Most applicants will be vendors providing one of the following service
- Food/Beverage Vendors – Caterers (when cooking on site), Food/Beverage Trucks and Trailers, etc.
Fees
Local health departments may have their own set of fees for applications/permits.
Alcohol is permitted in select areas. An alcohol permit may be added to a reservation for a picnic area OR approved for an athletic/event rental.
When to Request an Alcohol Permit
An alcohol permit is required when at least one of the following is met (not an exhaustive list):
- If alcohol is going to be consumed or provided at a park or facility
- At Bring Your Own Beer/Beverage (BYOB) picnics/events
- If alcohol is being provided by vendor or event at a park or facility
**Any group that obtains an alcohol permit through the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) must provide proof of liquor liability coverage.**
Contact for Application Process
TEL: 973-829-8628
TEL: 973-326-7616
EMAIL: recreation@morrisparks.net
EMAIL: events@morrisparks.net
Alcohol permits are not available for non-reservable areas.
Fees
Fees are assessed based on the number of people.
- Family Picnic Fee – $30 (added to picnic reservation invoice)
- League Fee – $35 per rental date/location (added to an approved field/facility reservation invoice)
- Group Fee (1-100 people) – $60 per day (added to event invoice)
- Group Fee (101+ 249) – $120 per day (added to event invoice)
- Group Fee (over 250 people) $250.00 per day (added to event invoice)
Additional Insurance Requirements
Any group that obtains an alcohol permit through the Morris County Park Commission (MCPC) must provide proof of liquor liability coverage. This coverage must be listed on the certificate of insurance or submitted as a separate event policy. The policy must meet the following minimum requirements:
Liquor Liability Coverage: Required for all organized groups that plan to provide, serve, or have alcohol at their event.
Coverage Minimums: $1 million per claim / $1 million aggregate.
If a group is using an onsite caterer and serving alcohol, a bartender is required.
Click below for more information.
When to Apply for a Race/Meet/Walk/Fun Run Permit
If the event meets any one of the following complete the Event Application. (Not an exhaustive list.)
- When 2 or more schools, clubs or teams participate in the competition
- The public is invited or encouraged to attend (includes access provided by pre-registration/registration, ticket sales, etc.)
- Expected attendance of at least 250 persons at any one time
- Anticipate 2 or more vendors will be onsite
- Anticipated road crossings or road closures (walks, races, pedestrian crossings
- Access needed to multiple areas of the park/facility
- Significant park/facility or community impact
- Intent to use a park/facility for something other than its intended purpose
Examples: Walks, Fun Runs, 5K’s, Races, Cross Country Meets, etc.
Application Process
The process starts when the application and a draft of the supporting documents has been submitted (additional documents may be required).
- Completed applications and the supporting documentation can be sent to events@morrisparks.net.
- Event Applications are accepted starting on November 1st for the following year. Recommended due date is December 1st.
- Regular requests for picnics, athletic fields, etc. will be processed starting on January 1st. Reservations will limit park and facility availability for events.
The completed application and documents will be reviewed.
- Event Applications are due at least 90 days prior to the event.
- New events must be reviewed by a Director, the Executive Director and/or the Commission which may take up to 60 days.
Upon approval MCPC staff will provide assistance to ensure all requirements are met prior to receiving permit.
An invoice will be generated to confirm the times, dates, location and payment.
Fees
Fees are assessed based on the needs of the event.
The fees will include:
- Refundable Deposit/s
- Reservation Fee/s
- Event Fee
- Additional Fees – may include Portable Restrooms, Maintenance Worker/s, Police Officer/s, Alcohol Permit, Vendor Permits, etc.