Special Events

The City of Tucson is accepting special event applications. All requests are being processed in the order they are received to ensure venue availability without conflicts. Event applications should be submitted at least 60 days in advance, but not more than one year before the event date. Applications submitted within 30 days of an event may not be accepted.

Events need to comply with Pima County Health Department guidelines.

For specific questions regarding the special event application process, call 520-791-4873, option 3, or email coteventsapp@tucsonaz.gov.

Tucson is home to many great special events including the Tucson Rodeo Parade, 4th Avenue Street Fair, St. Patrick's Day celebration, El Tour de Tucson, and the All Souls Procession.

This Special Event webpage is intended to assist event organizers in planning their unique events. (See Planning and Development Services information for circus, carnival and tent shows)

Do I need a Special Event Permit?

Do I need to complete a special event application?

(See Planning and Development Services information for circus, carnival and tent shows)

The following questions will clarify if you need to complete a special event application.

Events on private property

  1. Are you applying for a special event liquor license?
  2. Are you requesting to control traffic in a public right of way?
  3. Are you requesting an exemption to the City’s noise ordinance?
  4. Does the event include a circus?
  5. Does the event include carnival rides?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, you need to complete the special event application.

If the answer is no, then you are not required to complete the application.

Events on city property - streets, plazas, parks

  1. Will your event have tents that need a permit? Click here for a link to the guidelines(PDF, 689KB).
  2. Will there be alcohol at the event?
  3. Will the event require closing a street, hooding meters or cross the streetcar tracks?
  4. Will the event have vendors marketing, selling or giving away food, merchandise or services?
  5. Will you be requesting a temporary extension of premises?
  6. Will there be temporary facilities such as fencing, portable bathrooms or stages?
  7. Are you requesting off duty police officers or private security?
  8. Will your event be promoted on the radio, television, print media or on social networks?
  9. Will the event attract more than 200 people?
  10. Will the event have amplified sound?

If you answered yes to any of these questions and believe your event should not have to complete the special event application, please contact the special event office at coteventsapp@tucsonaz.gov or call 520-791-4873, option 3, to discuss your event in detail.

 

Quick Links

Insurance (520-791-4728)

Parks and Recreation (520-791-4873)

Tucson Fire Department (520-791-4502)

  • Operational Permit
    • Complete the TFD Operation Permit application. TFD may require an Operational Permit based on the Site Plan submitted, using the Tucson Development Center Online.
    • For more information, visit: http://tdc-online.tucsonaz.gov and register for an account or log in (instructions on page 3).
    • Click Apply / Permits, and select Fire Special Event Permits
    • Organizer. Jimmy Hinrichs from TFD can provide additional information and assistance if needed. He can be contacted directly at Jimmy.Hinrichs@tucsonaz.gov or you can contact tfd-permit-submittal@tucsonaz.gov.

Food Truck Vendor Guidelines

TFD Mobile Food Trucks/Trailers/Carts Guidelines

General Requirements

  • A Type I hood shall be installed at or above all commercial cooking appliances and domestic cooking appliances used for commercial purposes that produce grease vapors. Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and their attached extinguishing system shall comply with the requirements of the International Mechanical Code and Fire Code, and shall be tested/inspected every six months by a contractor.
  •  If cooking operations only create heat and steam, a Type II hood (w/o suppression system) may be installed.
  •  Fire extinguishers are required for all mobile food vendor operations. A fire extinguisher (minimum size of 2-A:10-BC) is required in the truck in addition to any extinguisher required below:
    • *A Class K portable fire extinguisher (min. 6L) is required for all automatic wet chemical fire-extinguishing systems and at any outdoor deep fryer.
    • *All other cooking equipment, inside or out, requires a minimum2-A:20-BC extinguisher nearby.
  • Outdoor cooking devices (BBQs, open flame devices and fryers) require an additional, appropriate extinguisher as well.
  • * A Class K portable fire extinguisher (min. 6L) is required for all automatic wet chemical fire-extinguishing systems and at any outdoor deep fryer.
  • *All other cooking equipment, inside or out, requires a minimum2-A:20-BC extinguisher nearby.
  • Cooking appliances shall be isolated from the public by a suitable barrier placed between the cooking device and the public.
  • Equipment utilizing open flame or creating grease vapors shall not be operated under tents or other combustible covering.
  • Fire extinguishers shall bear a current inspection tag validated within the past twelve months OR a receipt of purchase within the last 12 months shall be available for inspection.
  • Extinguishers shall be located in an area that is conspicuous and easily accessible for use. All employees shall be trained in the proper use of the fire extinguishers.

Propane and Other Fuel Requirements

  • Propane bottles – A maximum of two LP-gas containers with a total aggregate water capacity of 25 gallons is permitted at one mobile food vehicle.
  • LP hose shall be designed for a working pressure of 350 psig, shall be continuously marked with “LP-GAS, PROPANE, 350 PSI WORKING PRESSURE” and with the manufacturer's name or trademark.
  • Only rubber hose stamped “Approved for LP Gas” or rigid black pipe shall be used to transport gas from tanks to appliances. Copper piping shall NOT be used. Rubber hose shall be kept off the ground and be protected from physical damage.
  • LP vessels shall be affixed and secure to the portable food service platform in a manner that provides a reasonable expectation of security while parked or in transit. All applicable DOT regulations shall be followed.
  • Propane cylinders must be labeled and within their required hydro dates.
  • Propane and natural gas tanks shall be shut off while the mobile food vehicle is in motion, unattended and/or in overnight storage.
  • There shall be an emergency shut-off (1/4 turn) located on the exterior.
  • There shall not be any storage of or use of LPG cylinders or other fuels within the tow vehicle.
  • Natural gas/propane supply lines shall be inspected prior to use for chafing and wear, as well as for leaks using a soapy water solution.
  • “NO SMOKING” signs shall be posted.
  • Propane tanks shall be outside of tents or other structures and must be secured to an immovable object or nested to prevent tanks from being tipped or knocked over.
  • Shall be equipped with a working carbon monoxide detector that meets standards set forth in NFPA 1192-6.4.6. and equipped with an LPG (propane) leak indicator according to NFPA 1192-6.4.8.
  • Shall be equipped with a working carbon monoxide detector that meets standards set forth in NFPA 1192-6.4.6. and equipped with an LPG (propane) leak indicator according to NFPA 1192-6.4.8.

Other Requirements

  • The Fire Official is authorized to conduct inspections as deemed necessary to determine the continuing compliance with all provisions of the Code.
  • This handout addresses some of the most common concerns with mobile food operations, but are not all inclusive and do not include other vehicle/trailer inspection and safety regulations, including the items addressed in COT Ordinance 11393.
  • Electrical/generator usage – all wiring done in a safe manner and fuels stored properly.
  • Access/egress - sufficient exits for escape in the event of fire, not blocked or locked

Contact

Tucson Fire Prevention at 520-791-4502, or jimmy.hinrichs@tucsonaz.gov and Adam.Theriault@tucsonaz.gov for more info.

2.

 

Cooking Booth Information

General

  • All fabrics or membranes covering cooking booths shall be composed of flame-resistant material or be treated with a flame retardant.
  • All tent and booth structures shall be anchored adequately.
  • Combustible materials shall not be allowed to accumulate so as to cause a fire hazard.
  • All extension cords shall be of the 3-wire grounded type and shall be protected from foot traffic.

Cooking/Heating Equipment

  • Only electrically powered warming devices shall be used within vendor booths or in tents and membrane structures.
  • Open flame cooking devices, fryers or any appliance that creates grease vapors shall not be used within booths or tents that have coverings (ceiling). This includes under any tarp or other shade device.
    • These devices may be used within cooking booths that have no covering (ceiling).
  • All appliances that generate heat shall be shielded (barrier and/or separation) to prevent any physical contact from the public.
  • Cooking/Heating devices shall be kept away from any combustible materials. The distance shall be dependent on the size of the cooking equipment and shall be approved by the fire code official.
  • Gel fuel (Sterno) warming trays used under food trays for heating and warming foods shall be separated from combustibles and must be placed on a non-combustible surface (you may cover the surface with a sheet of foil).

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

  • LPG gas cylinders shall be outside the cooking booth/tent. Extra cylinders shall be kept in a secure location and be protected against tampering.
  • All LPG equipment connections shall be tested for leaks prior to use. This may be done with a soap and water solution.
  • LPG tanks shall be secured in the upright position; whether in use or storage.

Fire Extinguishers

  • All cooking/heating operations shall have a minimum 2-A:10-BC rated fire extinguisher.
  • Deep frying operations (commercial fryers, large woks) a Class K (silver) portable fire extinguisher shall be provided in addition to an ABC extinguisher required for your other operations
  • All extinguishers must be tagged and have been tested within the last year.
  • All extinguishers shall be located in a conspicuous location and be readily accessible for immediate use.
  • Extinguishers shall be unobstructed and shall not be obscured from view.

*Additional fire and life safety requirements may be necessary depending on the particular situation. These requirements will be at the discretion of the Fire Code Official. During fire department inspection vendors should be prepared to make any necessary changes immediately in order to comply with these requirements.

STOP WORK ORDER

Failure to be in compliance with these or any Fire Code requirement may result in a STOP WORK ORDER being issued.

Note: Removal of the Order may take 24 hours.

 

Tent Requirements

Tents/Membrane Structures Guidelines

Tents having an area in excess of 400 sf. (with any side panels), or any tent in excess of 700 sf. (without any side panels) shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a TFD permit and approval from the fire code official.

The following requirements shall be met before the permit will be issued.

  1. Structural calculations must be submitted and approved if the tent or temporary membrane structure is over 10,000 sf.
  2. A site plan including the following information shall be submitted: all property lines, buildings, accessory buildings and other tents or membrane structures. Plans shall be drawn to scale.
  3. A detailed floor plan (to scale), including contents(stages, tables, seating lay-out, aisles, exit and extinguisher locations, etc.) shall be included when the calculated occupant load is 50 or more.
  4. If requested by TFD, a copy of all manufacturers’ specifications shall be available on-site.
  5. The areas shall be free of all dry vegetation and loose combustible materialsto within 30 feet of the structure. (This includes all combustible trash material and combustible storage)
  6. Adequate aisle spacing and access to properly marked exits shall be provided. All aisles shall be arranged in a straight line to exits and means of egress.
  7. Tents, membrane materials, and decorationsshall be flame-resistant. (A certificate or label of flame-resistance is required.)

General Requirements for All Tents and Membrane Structures

EXIT SIGNS

  • Exit signs shall be installed at all required exits.
  • Where exit signs shall be internally or externally illuminated at all times the tent is occupied.
  • Color and design of lettering, arrows and other symbols shall be in high contrast with their background.

EGRESS LIGHTING

  • The means of egress shall be lit at all times that the tent is occupied. During daylight hours natural light may provide the required light. At night additional lighting is required.

EMERGENCY LIGHTING

  • When an additional source of lighting is required, emergency lighting shall be provided in case of power failure. 
  • Emergency lighting is also required in tents; when the occupant load is 50 or greater.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

  • Portable fire extinguishers with a minimum rating of 2-A:10-BCare required; located at exits.
  • Extinguishers shall be located within 75’ travel distance from any portion of the tent.

ANCHORAGE

  • All tents and membrane structures, regardless of size, shall be adequately anchored to prevent collapse or movement.
  • Structures shall have staked anchor plates, tethered stakes, or other TFD approved ballasting.
  • Tents 400 square feet or larger shall be secured with 2 anchor ropes at each outside corner of the structure.
  • Each post of all tents shall be anchored in an approved manner.
  • See the TFD Website for minimum anchoring requirements.

OTHER

  • “NO SMOKING” signs shall be posted in conspicuous locations in all tents (When Permits required).
  • There shall be no propane cylinders or other fuels inside tents.
  • Only approved heating devices shall be used,
  • There shall be no cooking under tents which utilizes open flames or creates grease vapors.
  • Tents shall not be occupied prior to inspection.

TENTS USED TO SELL PERMISSIBLE CONSUMER FIREWORKS have additional requirements

Call the TFD Fire Prevention office, (520) 791-4502,for inspection at least 24 hours before any tent is occuppied. OVERTIME FEES will apply if inspections do not occur between 7:00am - 4:00pm, M-F.

*ADDITIONAL INFORMATION HERE

 

Street Closures (DTM, 520-791-5100)

Barricade Companies

When planning a Civic Event or other traffic control needs, event coordinators are provided with this list of local barricade companies.

Ajax Barricades Co.
3249 E President Street, Tucson, AZ 85714
520-741-8340

Border Traffic Safety LLC
7624 S Freshwater Pearl Drive, Tucson, AZ 85747
520-664-2244

Desert Barricades LLC
3536 N Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-219-2775

Flash It Barricades LLC
4301 N Plum Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-975-6700 or 520-429-5858

Quail Construction
1500 E Benson Highway, Tucson, AZ 85714
520-293-7777

Southwest Barricades
2601 W Verbana Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-690-2222

Trafficade Service, Inc.
2721 N Flowing Wells Road, Tucson, AZ 85705
520-624-0465

 

Sun Link Streetcar (520-791-3333)

Alcohol

Drones

Planning and Development Services

Additional Items


Contact:
520-791-4873, option 3
coteventsapp@tucsonaz.gov

Contact Us

Contact Information

Small Business Assistance Line
(520) 837-4100
Economic Initiatives Office
connecttucson@tucsonaz.gov

Related Links

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Real Estate
Finance
Pima County