Public Assembly Code Enforcement

Setting the PACE for Safety

The City of Austin has worked for several years to reduce the numerous hazards and City Code violations associated with large gatherings and parties. As part of its continued efforts to protect the safety and quality of life of Austin residents, the City of Austin has formed a Public Assembly Code Enforcement (PACE) Team to focus on these issues. This renewed focus on enforcement concerning public assembly events will affect how parties and large gatherings are conducted throughout the city.

Having a public event? BIZOpen here to help

If you have questions or need help, contact BizOpen. BizOpen provides assistance to small business-owners in the City of Austin’s development process at no cost. Whether your project is large and complex or small and simple, BizOpen can guide you through the City’s rules and regulations. For more information, call (974)-7800.

Check out this informational flyer.

PACE Checklist for download

Online version of PACE Checklist

NOTICES

Topics

Temporary Change of Use Permit Application
Temporary Use Permit Application (PDF or apply online)
Structures and Temporary Structures
Fences
Sidewalk Protest/Demonstrations
Health Department Requirements

Why was the group formed? The PACE Team was formed to ensure that events within the City limits are not only safe for those attending but also consider the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Mission of PACE Team

Safety of participants
Quality of life of those affected

Issues being addressed include:

Safety of temporary structures, such as party builds.
Zoning requirements for your particular location.
Risk of fire code hazards associated with large groups of individuals in confined areas.
Enforcement of Texas and City of Austin laws, those relating to alcohol, noise and security.
Permitting for public assemblies.

Team Members:

Austin/Travis County Health & Human Services Department
COA Fire Department
COA Police Department
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Texas Department of Public Safety
COA Code Compliance
COA Transportation, Right of Way Management
COA Planning Development and Review Department

PACE members meet the second Wednesday of each month to coordinate their compliance efforts for the various regulations. If you have a public assembly question that you would like the team to address, please email the details to Public Assembly Code Enforcement.

Does PACE apply to my gathering?

Many permits may be required for public gatherings. Please refer to the checklist to determine which permits, if any, may be required. For the safety of attendees, be advised that PACE may shut down events that do not have the required permits.

Please select this link to apply for a Temporary Change of Use Permit online. Temporary Change of Use (TCOU) permits are required for Public Assemblies held on Residential, Multi-Family, Fraternities, Retail, Office and Commercial properties.

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