Special Events
Licensing Office

A Special Event is a temporary use in all zoning districts which:

1. Is intended for purposes of entertainment, education, commercial promotion, or cultural, religious, ethnic, or political expression. 
2. Is conducted on public or private property on a site or in an area which may not be specifically zoned, authorized, or otherwise approved for such use on a permanent basis.
3. Is carried on in a temporary structure, or outside.
4. May occur in conjunction with an existing permitted use or as a separate activity.
5. Included events are parades, sporting events, circuses, fairs, carnivals, festivals, religious revivals, political rallies, vehicle shows and displays, and similar recognized temporary activities
6. Shall not include wedding and funeral ceremonies, holiday boutiques, elections, private yard sales, Christmas tree and pumpkin sales lots, and charity car washes.

City of Mesa
Licensing Office
55 N. Center Street 

Insurance may be required for your event. The insurance policy must list the City of Mesa as additional insured. The amount required varies depending on the type of event and activities involved. The insurance certificate must be on file with the Licensing Office and approved by the Risk Management Office prior to approval of the special event

The application process time can take from 30 to 90 days depending upon the scope of the event.  Please be sure you apply early.  Our recommendation is to apply prior to doing any advertising for the event. 

The fees for a special event are $100.00 per day with a maximum fee of $300.00.  All fees are non-refundable.  If an event is going to be for more than 4 days you must obtain a Special Use Permit (see Attachment E for requirements).