Frequently Asked Questions

A public gathering is any planned, advertised, or announced event open to the public with 100 or more people expected.

Examples: Concerts in the park, festivals, and outdoor rallies.
Exceptions (PGP usually not required):

• Events held indoors in a licensed venue (bar, club, theater, banquet hall, etc.) approved for that size.
• Events are continuously conducted as part of a licensed business (restaurants, bowling alleys, lounges, etc.).
• Indoor events in licensed meeting halls, ballrooms, or banquet rooms.
• Non-professional sporting events scheduled or sanctioned by: City of Kenner Recreation Department, Jefferson Parish School Board, Private/parochial schools in Kenner (e.g., school football or baseball games).
• Gatherings from passengers of transportation in interstate commerce (e.g., airport, bus, boat, or train activity).

All required details are listed on the City of Kenner Public Gathering Permit Application. Generally, you will be asked to provide:

• Basic event details (name, date, time, type, and purpose)

• Location information (address, street closures, or site map)

• Applicant and on-site contact information

• Safety, security, and cleanup plans

• Any additional documents, such as proof of insurance or special permits (if applicable)

Applications must be submitted at least 30 days before the event date, and 60 days in advance for larger events such as parades, festivals, street closures, or those requiring police/security or special City services.

Please note: 30 days is the minimum, and additional time may be necessary — especially if required documentation (such as insurance, site plans, or police detail arrangements) is incomplete at submission or if safety concerns must be addressed during review.

Submitting your application as early as possible allows time for departmental review and, when necessary, City Council approval — helping avoid delays and ensuring your event has all required authorizations in place. Late applications or delays in responding to City requests may result in the event not being able to proceed.

Yes. Any invitation-only event on public property must apply as a Private Gathering and will be handled administratively under City Code Sec. 10-201. However, if the private event is a block party, requires a road closure, or takes place in a parking lot with 100+ attendees, it will be treated as a Public Gathering and require a Public Gathering Permit (PGP).

Any event with over 100 people held in any parking lot (public or private) requires a Public Gathering Permit, even if the business is licensed for indoor events.

All block parties or events that block or close a public street require a Public Gathering Permit, regardless of whether it’s public or private, or how many people attend.  Note: The definition of a “block party” includes using a portion of a public street, which almost always involves a closure.

You do not need a permit if:

• Your event is private (invitation only),
• Has fewer than 100 people,
• Is held on private property, and
• Does not require a street closure or use of a parking lot.

Reminder: Private events on private property are intentionally excluded from this section of the Code. However, if issues arise (noise, trash, traffic, etc.), they may still be addressed by Kenner Police or Code Enforcement.

If you’re unsure whether your gathering requires a permit, please get in touch with the Mayor’s Office at 504-468-7240 for guidance. 

Once the application has been submitted, applicants must contact the Kenner Police Department Detail Office to determine if a police detail is required for the event. The Kenner Police hourly detail rate is a minimum of $40.00 an hour with a 4-hour minimum per officer and $50.00 an hour with a 4-hour minimum per officer for all traffic related details or the production for television and movie purposes. If the detail falls on a declared holiday the minimum hourly rate is $60.00 an hour with a 4-hour minimum per officer.  The officer is to be paid directly by either check, cash or direct deposit at the conclusion of the detail.

For further questions, please contact:

Lt. Tusa ltusa@kennerpd.com (504)712-2401 or Sgt. Verdun sverdun@kennerpd.com (504)712-2219