Welcome to your online guide for the City of Biloxi Special Events ordinances and procedures.
The information on this page is to provide easy access to important information and to assist event organizers when initiating a special event. Event organizers must contact the Biloxi Police Department for all details.
According to city ordinance (click here), a special event is:
- Assemblage. assembl y. activity. or special event shall mean any group of persons attending an event. all or any part of which includes an entertainment event, game, show, exhibition, activity, amusement, theatrical exhibition, display, music festival, rock concert, parade, run, race, special promotion, (radio remote. grand opening. sidewalk sale, etc.) or (a) any other similar gathering at a location in which such activity or special event exceeds the normal and customary use of such location. or (b) any other similar gathering in excess of those normally drawing upon health,  sanitation, fire, police, transportation, utility, and other public services regularly provided in the city, or (c) any other similar gathering in excess of the number of persons normally using a place of business. community buildings (such as schools or churches), streets, parks, municipal beaches, or other public places so as to impact building capacity, grounds capacity, parking area, or traffic flow. Without regard to the number of persons participating. parade shall mean any march, demonstration, procession or motorcade consisting of persons, animals, or vehicles or a combination thereof upon the street. parks, or other public places within the city with an intent of attracting public attention that interferes with or has a tendency to interfere with the normal flow or regulation of vehicular or pedestrian traffic or both upon the streets, parks, or, other public places of the city.
According to city ordinance (click here), the tiers are:
- Any person, business or organization desiring to sponsor an assembly or other special event not exempted by section 12-4-5 of this article shall apply for a special event permit by filing an application with the special events coordinator of the city police department on a form supplied by the city. The following timelines for applications apply:
| Event tier | Up to | No later than** |
| 1 | 360 days prior to the event | 120 days prior to the event |
| 2 | 240 days prior to the event | 90 days prior to the event |
| 3 | 120 days prior to the event | 60 days prior to the event |
| 4 | 60 days prior to the event | 30 days prior to the event |
| 5 | 60 days prior to the event | 30 days prior to the event |
** The special events committee may waive this time limit requirement for events currently scheduled in 2023, prior to the passage of the ordinance codified in this article. The special events committee may also consider an application filed after the deadline upon showing of good cause and that the event is for the primary purpose of exercising the right to assemble or freedom of speech. (Ord. No. 2532, § 1, 10-24-23)
These special events ordinances were created to give organizers expectations to follow and for the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors. It also helps to ensure that city resources are not overstrained.
Event Organizers
Organizers should first contact the event coordinator at the Biloxi Police Department. Those interested in holding a special event in Biloxi should contact Capt. William Payne at bpdevents@biloxi.ms.us or 228-702-3115.
Here are the forms needed when considering holding a special event in the City of Biloxi.
| Special Event Application (To be completed by organizer to determine type of event) | Click here for the fillable form. |
| Special Event Route Request Form (To be completed by organizer if road closure is requested) | Click here for the fillable form. |
| Amplified Sound Permit Request Form (To be completed if sound equipment will be used at event) | Click here for the fillable form. |
| Special Events Vendor Permit Request Form (To be completed by each vendor wanting to participate in event) | Click here for the fillable form. |
Property Owners and Recreational Vehicles
According to city ordinance (click here), a Recreational Vehicle is defined as a heavy truck with more than two axles, or that exceeds 20,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight, a trailer with more than one axle, or major recreational equipment, including campers, recreational vehicles, motor homes, and travel trailers.
Property owners who intend to rent or lease space for recreational vehicles during Tier 1 events are required to obtain a parking permit from Biloxi Community Development and comply with certain standards. The standards include such regulations as a maximum density of one recreational vehicle per 750 square feet; parcel’s setbacks clear of any recreational vehicle; and a minimum of eight feet separation of vehicles from each other and from other structures.
Application for Special Events RV Parking Permit
For a list of regulations/standards click here.
For the complete ordinance, click here.
Property owners who plan to allow visitors to park on their property at no charge during a Tier 1 must complete an Affidavit for RV Parking at the Biloxi Community Development.
Affidavit for RV Parking
City Ordinances
Visit online for a complete list, including adopted (and updated) ordinances by clicking here.
City Rental Facilities
Visit online by clicking here.
