Handling Permits In-House? You May Not be Saving as Much as You Think!

eventpermits

May 9, 2025

We get it – every dollar counts when it comes to planning an event.

Which is why some agencies are now choosing to handle permits in-house.

With the world now at our fingertips online, it’s understandable why more of our clients are feeling tempted to go down this path. But the truth is, the internet will only get you so far.

The Risks of Taking Permitting In-House

While you may know someone who has successfully applied for and was issued an event permit on the agency side, we are here to tell you that it’s not worth the risk.

Why?

The answer is simple. Filing for permits goes beyond just filling out a form. It’s actually MUCH more complex and arguably one of the most crucial steps in the planning process. If not done correctly, it could result in major delays or worse – the denial of your event.

Why a Permitting Partner is Essential

Let’s face it – no amount of online research can match decades of experience, long-standing city relationships, and proactive problem-solving.

Here’s a scenario we’ve encountered: A client comes to us weeks–or months–into a project after receiving a denied permit or radio silence from the city. Despite doing their research they are now past deadline, scrambling to try and save their event.

This is why looping in a permitting partner from the start is essential.

We know what you may be thinking – why loop in another vender without all the details nailed down?

It’s true- the early stages of event planning are filled with endless back-and-forth emails, and changes on top of changes. As the event producer, you are just trying to keep everything straight.

That’s exactly why it’s better to bring in our team from the start, instead of having permits be included on the list of things to figure out later (long after deadlines have passed). The sooner we are looped in, the more strategic guidance we can offer such as:

Budget. Budget. Budget. We can help you with a reliable budget estimate for your needs.
Locations accurately custom tailored to your demographic goals
Feasibility assessment based on event scope and historic data points
Identification and knowledge of potential roadblocks and solutions
Guidance on the multiple permit types that may be required for your event

Anyone can fill out a form, but it takes the right expertise to spot red flags early and help you create an event that will win approval at the city level. Our team knows how cities work, who to talk to, and how to assess feasibility to set you and your client up for success.

The Takeaway

Bottom line – permitting is not just as simple as filling out a few forms– it helps shape your whole event! While handling it in-house may seem like it could save you budget dollars, keep in mind that it can often lead to delays and denials – costing you more in the end.

Looking for peace of mind during your next event? We can help make permitting a breeze! Contact us today and let’s chat.