Salt Lake City requires an Entertainers and Artist Permit for individuals or groups performing or showcasing art in designated public areas to ensure a positive experience for both entertainers and the public.
This page explains restrictions and rules permit holders must follow.
Location Restrictions
Even on City property, you cannot set up in these locations:
- Near intersections and crosswalks: At least 15 feet away from sidewalk intersections, crosswalks, or midblock crossings. Don’t block the view of drivers or pedestrians.
- Blocking sidewalks: Leave enough clear space for pedestrians:
- For Sidewalks 12 feet or wider: 10 feet clear
- Sidewalks 8 to 12 feet wide: 6 feet clear
- Sidewalks under 8 feet wide: No performances or displays allowed
- Bike lanes and paths: May not perform or display art in bike lanes. Keep at least 8 feet away from bike lanes, shared paths, trails, or similar routes.
- Building entrances and windows: At least 8 feet from any building entrance or doorway, office window, or display window (measured perpendicular to the curb).
- Parking areas: At least 8 feet from:
- Accessible parking spaces and ramps
- Fire lanes
- Taxi zones
- Loading zones
- Bus stops: At least 10 feet from any bus stop.
- Fire hydrants: At least 8 feet from any fire hydrant.
- Other performers and Special Events: At least 40 feet between you and other street artists or performers. The first person to arrive at a spot has priority.
- Special Event: At least 150 feet from any permitted special event.
Space Restrictions
When displaying art on public sidewalks, park strips, or City property:
- Off the ground: Don’t place your art directly on the sidewalk or ground, on blankets or boards sitting on the pavement, or on top of trash cans.
- Size limits: Your display cannot be taller than 6 feet or larger than 36 square feet in area.
- No stakes: You cannot use stakes to secure shelters or display structures into the ground.
- Keep public structures clear: Don’t display art on or in pavilions, picnic tables, benches, or similar public structures.
Noise Restrictions
As a street performer or artist, you must comply with Salt Lake City’s and Salt Lake County Health Department noise control ordinances. Noise violations can result in fines or permit revocation. Please consider the following when performing in public spaces:
- Follow decibel limits: Sound levels must not exceed 70 decibels or 10 decibels above ambient whichever is greater. If performances are near residential spaces, the maximum sound levels should not exceed 50 decibels.
- Amplified sound: Generally, amplifiers and loudspeakers are not permitted.
- Time restrictions: Generally, loud noise between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. are prohibited.
- Quiet zone: Areas nearschools and education institutions, hospital and healthcare facilities, and courts are considered quiet zones. Noise should be kept to a minimum and under the residential standard of 50 decibels
- Be considerate: Even if your performance is within legal limits, please be considerate of your impact on nearby businesses and residents.