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.
Read the information below prior to starting your application to make sure you follow are the right steps.
Who needs this permit?
You need a permit if you’re a street performer, musician, or artist setting up to display or sell your work on sidewalks or other public spaces.
What type of performance is allowed?
An Entertainers and Artist Permit may only be issued to those performing or displaying art that meets the following definition:
Art is creative work that expresses ideas, emotions, or viewpoints through visual or performance elements. Viewers should be able to recognize the communicative intent behind the work. This includes forms such as paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, live performances, and handmade items such as jewelry, clothing, baskets, and crafts.
Art does not include commercial merchandise without communicative elements or messages. Non-art items include:
- Mass-produced items made primarily for sale
- Fragrant oils, prayer beads, fashion bracelets, and non-expressive jewelry
- Clothing or t-shirts that have not been created or modified by permittee
- Playing cards, furniture, home goods, collectibles, souvenirs, balloons
- Food or consumable items
Where can I perform or display art?
Sidewalk entertainers and artists may perform or display art in the following areas:
- City sidewalks and park strips within the following commercially zoned districts (excluding landscaped areas in the middle of any public street):
- Mixed Use Districts (MU) and Gateway-Mixed Use District (G-MU)
- Downtown Districts (D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4)
- Any city owned land located in a Public Lands zoning district (PL, PL2)
- Only musicians and performers may perform in defined areas of Pioneer Park, Library Square, Fairmont Park, Sunnyside Park, Cottonwood Park, International Peace Gardens. All permitted Entertainers and Artist may perform or display art in defined areas of Liberty Park, Jordan Park, North Gateway Park, Warm Springs Park, and Glendale Park.
When can I perform or display art?
Generally, performances and art displays on public streets and City property are allowed only between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
However, in the following zoning districts, performances and art displays on public streets and City property are allowed 24 hours a day: MU-8, MU-11, D-1, D-2, D-3, D-4, GMU, PL, and PL2.
What is a Special Event Sales Tax Number? Do I need one?
If you are accepting payment for your art or performance, Utah State code requires you to obtain a Special Event Sales Tax Number. For an application form email [email protected].
When does my permit expire?
One year from the issue date. Once expired you will need to submit a new application with all required fees and documents.
For more information about the Sidewalk Entertainers & Artists Ordinance reference City Code: Chapter 14.38 of the Salt Lake City Code.
What about enforcement?
Enforcement officers will monitor compliance based on the following:
- Location requirements: You must operate only in approved areas, detailed in the following section of this guide.
- Display: Your setup must meet size and placement requirements, detailed in the following section of this guide.
- Permit certificate: Your certificate must match the art or performance you’re displaying. Your certificate must be displayed prominently.
- Noise requirements: You must comply with Salt Lake County’s noise control ordinances, detailed in the following section of this guide.
Where can I find additional resources?
For musicians looking to perform Downtown, see The Blocks Arts District: Artist Resources for additional resources on busking.