There are many various types of locations from which to choose for your event. Contact our office at (253) 573-2523 if you would like assistance in finding the right location for your event.

What is a "fixed venue" as used in the event permit application?
A fixed venue is one in which an area is delineated for the use of the event and does not travel along a street or pedestrian pathway; examples are closed streets that do not involve a parade, public beach or park, a private property or parking lot.

Do I need permission from surrounding residents or businesses to have my event?
As an applicant/event coordinator it is your responsibility to notify residents and businesses within a "reasonable radius" of the actual event footprint; notification must address all impacts, sound, parking and traffic patterns, number of expected attendees, date, time, duration, and pre- and post-event cleanups. All notifications must list key contacts, as well as City permit issuer.

Define "reasonable radius".
Depending on the size of the event (factors include number of expected attendees, footprint, duration of event) you may be required to show proof of notification to residents and businesses within a 400 foot buffer of the event venue. Block Parties and Expressive Activities may require a reduced notification buffer.

Do I need a permit if I am having my event on private property?
You only need to apply for a special event permit with the City if you're event will be in the right-of-way--street closures, sidewalk obstruction, rolling closures, City managed parks and plazas.

Define of right-of-way.
includes the traveled portion of the public streets and alleys, as well as the border area, which includes, but is not limited to, any sidewalks, planting strips, traffic circles, or medians

If I want to close a street, do I have to provide my own barricades?
Yes, you must provide or rent barricades.  See options listed on the Resources & Links page.

Where can I get barricades and no parking signs?
The City does not refer any particular business for this service. Private companies in the region provide no-park signs and street barricades for a cost. See options listed on the Resources & Links page.

If I want to close a street, do I have to hire police or private security?
If determined by TPD Special Events Sergeant, you will be required to hire either off duty police officer, if deemed necessary, or other as permitted by police.

Does the City provide barricades and no parking signs?
No, you must arrange for a private company to place no-parking signs, if applicable, and street barricades in the appointed locations.

When do I need to put out no parking signs if I am closing a street for my event?
In all cases, no-park signs must be placed in appointed locations at least 24 res (not including Sundays) prior to the street closure--i.e., placement of street barricades in the appointed locations. Some areas may require 48 hrs notice--the Police or Traffic Engineer will indicate which ones.

Are any City streets restricted from closing for an event?
The Special Events code does not restrict any streets to closure under the proper circumstances. Pierce Transit, the local bus transit service, may condition an application if it is unable to properly re-route buses due to a closure request. Residential street closures may be denied if a majority of abutting neighbors object to the closure. In any case, expressive activities (aka, protests) will be allowed to close streets, with the proper application and Police presence.

Who do I contact at Pierce Transit or Sound Transit about closing streets and/or rerouting busses?
If your event affects bus routes, you will be contacted by the appropriate Transit staff. All event permit applications are routed and reviewed by internal City departments responsible for a portion of the permit follow-up, as well as external agencies such as: Pierce Transit, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept., Sound Transit, Metro Parks, and the Foss Waterway Owners Association.

If my event is in a park and I already have a permit from Metro Parks, do I still have to apply for a City event permit?
It depends. If a City right-of-way will be used or impacted by your event.

Examples: A Metro Parks park is the site of your event, but you'll need adjacent parking blocked off to place portable restrooms, or if you want to close streets that surround the park property.

Do I need a City permit if I am holding my event on the Foss Waterway Esplanade?
The Foss Waterway Owners Association currently handles special event permitting for the Esplanade properties. You can contact them at (253) 265-3042. 

Does the City notify surrounding neighbors of my event or do I have to do that myself?
No, the City is not responsible for the notification process. As an applicant/event coordinator it is your responsibility to notify residents and businesses within a "reasonable radius" of the actual event footprint; notification of which must address all impacts, sound, parking and traffic patterns, number of expected attendees, date, time, duration, and pre- and post-event cleanups. All notifications must list key contacts, as well as Special Events Office.

Examples of notification practices: Door-to-door verbal, signed petitions, postal mailed letters, temporary signage (must be removed immediately after the event).

Contact the Special Events Office for examples of notification letters. (253) 573-2523.

If I am holding a protest (constitutionally protected activity) do I still need to get a permit?
Yes. Permit applications for constitutionally protected activity events have 7 calendar days prior to actual event to submit application for review and issuance of a permit.

Define "block party".
Residential street closure, not open to the public, no admission fee, no food or beverage sales.

Define "constitutionally protected activity".
An expressive event or "constitutionally protected activity" means activity that is an exercise of rights protected by the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, or Article 1, Sections 3, 4, 5, or 11 of the Washington Constitution. It includes but is not limited to political or religious activities.