Getting Your Event Started/ Permit Information

This page is designed to help event promoters navigate the process of requesting an event permit. Included are step-by-step instructions for acquiring permits, commonly-used links and information, and guidelines to help assist promoters successfully attain the temporary use of City roadways for special events.

Step 1: Make contact with the City/ Apply for your event permit
To submit an application or to request a meeting to discuss your event, contact us by phone or by email at:

Transportation Department Special Events Office: (512) 974-6501
Betty Torres- betty.torres@ci.austin.tx.us, or
Tracy Linder Stephens- tracy.linder@ci.austin.tx.us or go to
Austin City Connection- ROWMAN.

Step 2: Propose your event’s details
The following information will be requested at the beginning of the event planning stage:

• A map of the desired route/ roadways requested for use
• Type of event i.e.: run, walk, marathon, festival, parade
• Approximate number of participants
• Date and time of requested event

Step 3: Review these additional permit options, (as applicable to your event):

• Austin Police Special Event Permit www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/permits.htm
• Food Permits, (ROW requirement for approval of ROW Permit) - http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/health/eh_permits+apps.htm, scroll to "Food Permit Applications", select "Temporary Food Establishment" link
• Parking Permit - ROWMAN.
• Public Assembly Code Enforcement, (PACE) - www.ci.austin.tx.us/pace/default.htm
• Street Application Packet - ROWMAN System
• Sound Application Permit- http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/pace/, then click on "Music/Noise/Sound" link
• Temporary Use Permit (PDF)

Step 4: Attend the "Special Events Weekly Meeting"
The purpose of this meeting is to discuss upcoming special events, provide Q&A opportunities for vested parties in attendance, request/provide additional information, or discuss event alterations, if needed. This meeting is attended by representatives from relevant City Departments, Capital Metro, State agencies, TxDot and Event Promoters. This meeting is open to the public.

Meeting Information:
Date/Time: Every Tuesday morning, 10-11 a.m.
Location: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, 13th floor conference room

*If you would like to be on the agenda, please contact the Special Events Office at (512) 974-7180.

Important Event Planning Resources:

Special Events/Right of Way Rules Posting Process

Rules for Right of Way Closures

Other Helpful Contact Information

City Contact Information:

• Austin Fire Department: (512) 974-0150
• Austin Police Department: (512) 974-5000
• APD Special Events Unit: (512) 974-5032
• Emergency Medical Services: (512) 972-7200
• Health and Human Services: (512) 972- 5000
• Parks: (512) 974-6700
• Right-of-Way Management: (512) 974-2779

Downtown Business Contact Information:

• Downtown Austin Alliance (DAA): (512) 469-1766