Special Event Permits | City of Goodyear

The City of Goodyear proudly supports community gatherings and organized activities that celebrate civic and cultural diversity, foster community involvement, and promote all that our city has to offer. We are excited that you are planning a Special Event in Goodyear and look forward to working with you to ensure its success. Your efforts help enrich our community, and we’re here to assist every step of the way!

What is a Special Event?

A Special Event is any outdoor or partially outdoor gathering, use, event or activity over a period of not more than three days, or any indoor event over a period of not more than three days which is held in a location that is not zoned for the proposed gathering, use, event or activity.

What triggers a Special Event Permit ?

A Special Event Permit is required if it includes any of the following:

Involves or is expected to attract more than two hundred fifty (250) people.

Disrupts the normal flow of traffic through the closing, partial closing, or restricted use of a public street or right-of-way.

Blocks or restricts access to the property of others (includes block parties).

Involves the use of fireworks, special effects, large open flames (such as bonfires), explosions, or other potentially dangerous displays and actions.

Involves any activity or use on property that deviates from the current legal land use or legal nonconforming use of the property.

Involves the installation of mechanical amusement rides and/or temporary or portable buildings.

Involves the display of non-domesticated animals.

Requires a state-issued temporary extension of liquor license premises or a special event liquor license.

Takes place on City of Goodyear property and are outside of the property's conditions of use (includes parks, plazas, indoor facilities and public right-of-way).

Special Events Q & A

Do you have a reservation to use city-property for your event?

What if my event is on Private Property?

Check the availability of the location that you want to use and make sure you have the permission of the property owner to use it.

If you are not the property owner you will be required to submit documentation showing that you have permission to hold the event.

You will need to provide a copy of the property owner's certificate of insurance.

How far in advance do I need to submit my application?

All Special Events held within the City of Goodyear require a Special Event Permit Application to be submitted at least 45 days prior to the proposed event date(s).

Special Events Involving Road Closures

Events involving up to 10 kilometers of public roadways located within the City of Goodyear must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event date.

Events involving more than 10 kilometers of public roadways located within the City of Goodyear must be submitted at least 120 days prior to the event date.

Events involving closures of public roadways across multiple jurisdictions must be submitted at least 180 days prior to the event date.

View our Special Event Application

Where can I learn more about the Special Event Permits?

Examples of Special Events:

• Block Parties • Bonfires • Carnivals/Circuses/Fairs • Ceremonies • Concerts

• Commercial Filming • Cultural Events • Exhibitions or Shows • Festivals

• Grand Openings • Large Social Gatherings • Markets • Parades/Processions

• Promotional events in parking lots • Races • Rallies • Sports Tournaments

Special Event Permit Resources & Documents
Special Event Liquor License Resources

The following is an overview of the documents and/or information needed for your special event.

Please carefully review all details before submitting your Special Event Permit Application to ensure a smooth and timely review process.

Special Event Application

Site Plan (Map) Requirements Efficient processing of your Special Event Permit Application depends on the submission of a comprehensive site plan that clearly illustrates all activities and infrastructure referenced in your application. At a minimum, your site plan must include the following components:

Base Information such as: Location Details, Major Crossroads, Streets, Nearby Landmarks, Existing Buildings, and Permanent Structures.
Layout Details such as: Barriers and Fencing, Portable Restrooms, Stages and Platforms, Generators, Activity Areas, Tents or Canopies, Tables and Chairs, and Mobile Food Unit.

Insurance A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required for special events within the City of Goodyear. Please see our Insurance Requirements-Special Event Permit.

Off-duty Officers City of Goodyear off-duty police officers shall be used for all Special Events requiring law enforcement personnel for traffic control on public roadways and public safety.

Mobile Food Unit Inspections are required by the Goodyear Fire Department to all mobile food vendors participating in a special event. View our Mobile Food Unit Inspection Checklist.

Traffic Control Permit (TCP) is required for all Special Events that involve the closing or partial closing of public streets, bike lanes and/or sidewalks; or that restricts access to the use of public right-of-way. View our TCP Form.

Contact us

If you have any questions about special events, please reach out to the City Clerk's Office for assistance at (623) 882-7830 or by email at gyclerk@goodyearaz.gov.