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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there other permits that I need to get?

Can I rent barricades from the City of Austin?

No. Traffic control must be contracted through a licensed company. Only certified, competent persons trained in traffic control may set traffic control devices.

How do I inform the public about my event?

You will be required to mail notification letters to all affected businesses and residences inside and along street closures.  The City of Austin will provide you with a mailing list, but you must print out the required documents and provide the postage.  Affected persons do have the ability to object to a particular closure and if 20% or more object within one block of the closure, you may be required to change and/or modify the route/event or possibly cancel the event.

What are the fees?

Application Fee:               $250.00 (non refundable)

Safety Inspection Fee:    $76.00 (minimum)

Sound Permit Fee:           $ 33.00 per day (if required, non refundable)

Permit Fees:                     $100.00 per block per day ($1500.00 max per day)

Security Deposit:             $2000.00 (refundable upon written request)

Plan Fee:                           $1500.00 (Engineered and sealed)(Non refundable) any changes will incur hourly fee charges of $125.00/hour.*City engineered plan is not required                                         

Fee Paid Event:                Gate Receipts Payment (Due to the City no-later than 30 days after event) 

  • $1.00 - $3.00 per person   2 ½ % of admission fee                                                                                                                                                               
  • $4.00 - $6.00 per person   3% of admission fee                                                                                                                                                                           
  • $6.00 – and over per person 4 ½% of admission fee                                                                                                                                                                

What are the safety and security requirements?

You will be required to contact and get approval from the following City agencies.  Each agency has specific requirements and costs:

Any closures in or around the Capitol will require approval from:

Any road closure will require a sealed, engineered traffic control plan reviewed and approved by Austin Transportation Department. Barricades for road closures must be contracted through a licensed and  bonded traffic control company.

What are the Sanitation and Trash Requirements?

  • Trash Plan is required
  • Portable Toilets are required for most events
  • Recycling is strongly encouraged
  • Storm drains must be covered in street
  • Street sweeping after event may be required

What is a special event?

A special event means an event or parade that requires the full or partial closure or occupation of a public right of way or an area adjacent to the public right of way for non-construction and non-parking related use. Special events on park property must go through the Parks and Recreation Department's Special Events Office.

What is the application process for a Special Event street event?

Applicants can start the process by applying online through ROWMAN no more than a year in advance. 

Once your ROWMAN is complete, you will be emailed an application packet.  Applications are due no later than 180 days prior to the event along with the nonrefundable application fees. Please review Ordinance 14-8 for all requirements.

Make an appointment with the Special Events Office to attend a Special Event Team Meeting - 974-6501 or SpecialEvents@austintexas.gov.  Meetings are scheduled every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704.

What kind of information is required to apply for a permit?

  • Name of your event
  • Date of your event
  • Type of event (i.e.: Run, parade, festival, political march)
  • Time frames, including set-up and breakdown, for your event
  • Location(s) of your event
  • History (if possible) of the venue and your event
  • Does your event have any sponsors?  If so, who are they?
  • Is it a ticketed or free event?
  • Is alcohol being served? Compliance with ordinance requirements is required.
  • A scaled electronic map of the closure area, or layout of your event
  • Expected crowd capacity
  • Map or layout of your event
  • Is there a professional company or agency organizing your event?
  • Main point of contact for your event and their contact information