Special Events Ordinance and Administrative Rules Development

City Council adopted the special events ordinance on May 10, 2018. The modified proposed SEO rules were adopted on February 25, 2019. Austin Center for Events (ACE) began processing event applications under the new ordinance on April 1, 2019. 

Proposed Rule Change:

The Development Services Department proposes to adopt Rule Change 161-23.12 after April 4, 2023. Details of the change can be found in the Notice of Proposed Rule Change: 161-23.12 (PDF).  Any comments must be submitted by April 4, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Rules Changes:

Questions? Contact us: specialevents@austintexas.gov, 512-974-1000.

Special Events Task Force

The Special Events Task Force consists of 11 voting members and 13 ex officio members comprised of the city departments that participate in the Austin Center for Events. The mission of the task force is to assess the efficacy of Ordinance No. 20180510-018, the associated rules, and Austin Center for Events (ACE) processes. The Special Events Task Force concluded its work in October 2022 with the generation of a final report with recommendations to Council for improvements to the Special Events Ordinance

Learn More

Special Events Task Force Meetings 

Staff Notes

June 12, 2019 (pdf)
July 15, 2019 (pdf)
August 19, 2019 (pdf)
September 16, 2019 (pdf)
October 21, 2019 (pdf)
November 18, 2019 (pdf)
December 16, 2019 (pdf)
January 13, 2020 - updated (pdf)
 

Administrative Rules Community Engagement

9/6/18 Meeting Information

View: Meeting Presentation

Read: 9/6 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes
 

9/4/18 Meeting Information

View: Meeting Presentation
 

8/21 Meeting Information

Read:Temporary Change of Use & Venue Occupancy Load Follow-Up Meeting Notes

View: Meeting Presentation
 

8/14 Meeting Information

Read: Public Safety Plan Requirements APD

View: Meeting Presentation

8/14 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes
 

8/7 Meeting Information

Read: Waste Reduction-Diversion Plan, Emissions Management Plan  

View: Meeting Opening Presentation

Rules Overview Powerpoint Presentation- Resource Recovery, Sustainability, Transportation,  Public Health- Food & Beverage Permitting

8/7 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes
 

7/17 Meeting Information

Read: Draft Rules: Public Safety Requirements AFD, ATCEMS

View: Meeting Presentation

7/17 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes
 

7/10 Meeting Information

Read: Draft Rules: Permitting-Temporary Structures, Tents, Temporary Change of Use, Temporary Use, Occupant Load changes for permanent assembly venues

7/10 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes

View: Meeting Presentation
 

6/26 Meeting Information

Read: Draft Rules Application Requirements

6/26 Meeting Feedback Summary & Notes

View: Meeting Presentation
 

6/19 Kick-Off Meeting Information

Read: Feedback Summary

View: Meeting Presentation