Special Event Permitting

The City of El Paso has partnered with the DMD to provide a clear and an efficient permitting process to bring more visibility and attractions to downtown. Event planners or organizations interested in organizing a downtown event that involves street closures, can now benefit from the streamlined processing and issuance of special privilege permits.

Before you start the application to obtain a Special Privilege Permit, it is important for you to have the following information and documentation.

Please submit application 45 days before the date of the event to avoid delays. 

With questions or for more information, please contact Richard Bustamante with the DMD at 915-400-2294 x103.

Traffic Control Plan

The objective of each traffic control plan (TCP) is to permit the contractor to work within the public right of way efficiently and effectively while maintaining a safe, uniform flow of traffic during a street closure. Below you will find a list of companies that can create a traffic control plan for your event.

The above vendors’ information is provided to guide the event planner; DMD does not endorse any vendor.

Site Plan

A site plan is a clear drawing or graphical representation of the even footprint. It should depict where everything will be located. The site plan must include location of vendors, stages, portable restrooms, trash cans, dumpsters, emergency vehicle access, entrances/exits, fire protection, emergency medical service areas, public assembly areas, and vehicle parking. The site plan can be created by any person so long as it is neat and legible.

Notice of Street Closure

Notice of Proposed Closure Blank FORM

Temporary Event Insurance

You will be asked to upload proof of  Temporary Event Insurance before submitting your application.  If the insurance does not comply with the requirements, your application will be rejected. Below are the requirements:

Certificate of Insurance by a Texas licensed provider must be submitted and meet the required coverage limits. The limits listed below are minimum requirements and subject to additional requirements based on the type of Event being held and at the discretion of the City of El Paso Risk Management Department.

• $1,000,000 injury or death to one person/per occurrence.

• $1,000,000 Property Damage

• $1,000,000 Liquor Liability Coverage (if event includes alcohol)

Daily Fee –cost for closing the right of way

$53 for every 12 hours – Example: You must pay $53 for any street closure lasting up to 12 hours. If the street closure exceeds 12 hours, for example 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., you would have to pay $106.00.

Downtown Special Event Application processing fee $212 (Sept.2020)*

• Downtown Special Event – Late Fee: $424 (Sept.2020)*

* $4.00 Tech Fee will be added to all Special Event applications.

Additional permits may be required to obtain the Special Event Permit. Additional fees may apply. 

Once you submit the application you will be contacted by DMD to advise you on what additional requirements must be submitted.

Per Title 15 Section 15.08.120 you must submit a complete application AT LEAST 30 days before the event. There are no exceptions.

Thank You for supporting downtown. Click below to begin the application!