Any event other than construction that will involve the use of the roadway, such as a block party, parade, or bike race, requires a special events permit. The Special Events Coordinator determines whether barricades, traffic control devices and, if needed, police officers are to be obtained as a condition of the permit by the person or organization

Checklist

This checklist is provided to assist you as a promoter or sponsor of a civic event. Insuring the criteria on the list are met will provide smooth processing by the Civic Event Committee. These items MUST BE on file with the Tucson Police Department's Civic Event Coordinator two weeks prior to your scheduled event.

1. Barricade Plan

  • A letter from the barricade company stating they have been contracted to provide barricades for the event. The barricade company is responsible for setup, monitoring of the barricades for the duration of the event, and the removal of the barricades as soon as possible at the conclusion of the event.
  • City of Tucson Transportation Director approval will be required for:
    1. Full closure of arterial or collector streets
    2. Partial closure of arterial streets during 6-8 a.m. or 4-6 p.m

2. Insurance

  • Copy of Liability Insurance naming the City of Tucson as additional insured. Special Event Liquor Licenses for events will require a $500,000 Certificate of Liability naming the City of Tucson as additional insured.

3. Security - Confirmation of police officers and security for the event

  • Tucson Police Department
    • Contact with Special Duty Coordinator, 520-791-4855 and a signed contract. Events in size requiring a lieutenant and sergeants will be contracted through the Tucson Police Department
  • Other Agencies
    • Name/badge or payroll number, and agency name for officers not with the Tucson Police Department

Civic Events/Block Parties Planning & Contact Information

The Tucson Police Department Special Event Office serves as a clearinghouse for the planning, coordination, and approval of Civic Event Requests. The planning necessary to insure a successful civic activity may be quite extensive and often requires the approval of a variety of different departments within the City of Tucson. Complete Civic Event applications must be submitted to the Tucson Police Department, Special Event Coordinator at least SIX WEEKS in advance of the event. This provides adequate time to coordinate with the City Departments involved in the planning and approval process.

Event Liability insurance is required naming the City of Tucson as additional insured for any event that is open to the public. The City reserves the right to change or modify limits of liability for events of an unusual size or risk. Proof of Liquor Liability Insurance, the amount of $500,000 must be submitted to the Risk Manager's Office no less than two weeks prior to the event. A copy must be on file with your request packet.

  • If regional City of Tucson parks are to be used, or if booths, stages, or bleachers are required, arrangements must be made with the Park and Recreation Department.
  • If there is a need for Dumpsters or trash bins, arrangements for delivery and pickup must be made with Solid Waste Division.
  • A Health Permit from Pima County Health Department is required in order to sell food to the general public. A copy must be on file with your request packet.
  • If Law Enforcement is required for your event, those personnel much be scheduled two weeks prior to a Civic Event Permit being issued.
  • A Business Privilege License is involved if anything will be sold at this event, e.g. food, drink, crafts, clothing, etc.  Contact Finance/License 791-4566.

Civic Events/Block Parties Contact Information
(All Phone Numbers Area Code 520)

Tucson Police Department
Civic/Special Event Permits

791-4440

Traffic Engineering
Street Closures and Barricading

791-4259

Streets Division
Street Maintenance

791-3154

Fire Department
Fire Prevention Requirements

791-4052

Parks and Recreation
Use of City Owned Equipment

791-4873

Solid Waste Management
Refuse Collection Services

791-3175

Development Services
Electrical, Tent, Canopy Permits

791-5550

City Clerk
Liquor License/Liquor Board Approval

791-4213

Sun Tran
Rerouting for Street Closures/Shuttles

623-4301

Risk Management
Event Liability Insurance

791-4728

Real Estate
Use of City Property

791-4181

Pima County Health Department
Food Sales to the Public

740-2760

Revenue Division
License
791-4566

Approval Requirements

  • A 20-foot lane must be maintained for emergency vehicle use.
  • Noise will be kept to a minimum if a nighttime event.
  • Sufficient vehicle parking area to be provided for this event.
  • Use sidewalk of sidewalk area only (use of traffic lanes prohibited).
  • Obey all traffic control devices.
  • The neighborhood must be in agreement with this activity (notification may be required).
  • Coordinate activity with local businesses if applicable (e.g., parking, access).

It is unlawful to post, affix, display, paint, or otherwise attach any handbill to any street sign, post, traffic control device, utility pole, or public object.

The Civic Event Committee wants you to have a safe and successful event. If you have questions or need information, please contact the Special Event Coordinator at 520-791-4440.