The impacts of special events on residents and businesses in Austin’s neighborhoods are real. Neighbors need to be aware of the event, need to plan for alternate access, might not be able to use their normal parking spots, and can have their schedules thrown off by the activity. Clear and broad advance organizer communication and good work will ensure success for the event and for the neighborhood.

Timely neighborhood notification is required to mitigate issues, minimize impacts, and ensure affected neighbors and businesses are aware of the event activity.

At minimum, you are required to complete the following:

  • Provide notice to interested persons and neighborhood associations within 10 calendar days after ACE issues a preliminary recommendation if the special event:

    • Is a Tier 3 or 4 special event; and

    • Requires a closure permit under Chapter 14-8 (Temporary Closure for Special Events and Block Parties).

  • An applicant must comply with the notice requirements for a Tier 3 or 4 special event that includes the use of sound, equipment, and lasts at least 24 hours.

  • An applicant must comply with the notice requirements for a Tier 2 event if the special event venue is located near residential uses and is the type or scale that could have a potential sound impact.

Notification Letter

  • ACE staff will provide the applicant with an approved notification template.

Who Needs to Know?

  • ACE staff will provide the applicant with a list of addresses of the interested persons entitled to notice.

Notice of Proposed Closure

Grandfathered Events

An event is considered a grandfathered event if it has been held for 10 years or more and has not received a violation or changed its character, location, or route.

Notifications for grandfathered events must be mailed no later than 30 days prior to the first day of the event. The City creates the notification lists for the event organizer and must approve the notification prior to mailing. Information must include dates and times of the event, and a map showing the closure and contact information. Applicant must provide proof of date of mailing.

Non-grandfathered events

The event organizer must issue a notice of proposed closure to all interested persons within 200 feet and neighborhood associations within 0.5 miles no later than the 10 calendar days from receiving a preliminary application approval from ACE. The notice must be approved by ACE Austin Transportation Department contact prior to mailing. The City creates the notification lists for the event organizer and must approve the notice of proposed closure letter, map, and forms prior to mailing. The notice of proposed closure must include dates and times of the event, a map showing the closure area, contact information and information on how to approve or object the proposed closure. Applicant must provide proof of date of mailing.

Austin Transportation may require additional notifications for both grandfathered and non-grandfathered events.

Approval and Objection Process

Interested residents and businesses within 200-ft. and neighborhood associations within 0.5 miles must submit their approval or objection to the City within 14 calendar days. If 20% of the interested residents or businesses who were provided notification or an interested neighborhood association object to a proposed closure, City Council action is required for the event to move forward.