Special Events & Permits in Mesa, AZ (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Mesa, Arizona, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Mesa's City Traffic Engineer can authorize temporary street closures for neighborhood block parties, but any right-of-way restriction still needs a Temporary Traffic Control Permit: one perk is that block parties are exempt from the permit fee that other temporary traffic restrictions must pay.
Mesa Block Party Street Closure Permits
Some RestrictionsMesa City Code, Title 10, Chapter 3, § 10-3-13(K); Title 10, Chapter 10, § 10-10-2(C), (F)
Authority to Close Streets for Block Parties. The City Traffic Engineer or his designee is hereby authorized to grant temporary street closures for block parties. ... Permit required. No person shall restrict any portion of any City transportation facility, City right-of-way or easement without first obtaining a valid Temporary Traffic Control Permit from the Transportation Department unless ot...
Park Event Permits
Any special event in a Mesa park, reserving a ramada or field, running a food or vendor booth, or otherwise going beyond normal park use, needs a permit from the Parks Administrator under Title 6, Chapter 10, Section 6-10-6. Applications require a fee and can be denied for scheduling conflicts or incomplete submissions, with a 10-day appeal to the Parks Director.
Mesa Park Special Event Permits
Some RestrictionsMesa City Code, Title 6, Chapter 10, §§ 6-10-2, 6-10-6
SPECIAL EVENT: A temporary use, event, or activity in a park beyond the normal scope of visitor use such as reservation of an area or facility, conducting business whether for-profit or not-for-profit, an activity which could impact public access or enjoyment, or a request for exemption from a park rule or regulation. ... (A)It is unlawful for a person to violate or fail to comply with any prov...
Parade Permits
Mesa requires a Parade Permit from the Chief of Police before anyone may organize or lead a parade, procession, distance run, or bicycle race on a public street or in a public park. Applications must be filed at least 30 days ahead, and the Chief can deny a permit that would disrupt traffic, strain police or ambulance coverage, or provoke disorder.
Mesa Parade and Special Event Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsMesa City Code, Title 9, Chapter 4, §§ 9-4-1, 9-4-2(A)
9-4-1: - PERMIT REQUIRED. No person shall engage in, participate in, aid, form, or start any parade utilizing any portion of any public street or public park within the City limits of the City unless a Parade Permit shall have been obtained from the Chief of Police. The word parade shall mean any organized procession, march, public walk, or promenade for display and shall include distance runni...
Street Fair Rules
Mesa requires a City license to hold any street fair, festival, or other special event, with applications due 14 days ahead for small-scale events and up to 90 days ahead where an arterial street must close, plus a full vendor list before and after the event, under Mesa City Code Title 5, Chapter 1, Section 5-1-3.
Mesa Special Event License and Vendor List Rules
Some RestrictionsMesa City Code, Title 5, Chapter 1, § 5-1-3
(A)It is unlawful for a person to conduct a special event within the City without a valid license.(B)A license is only valid for the specific location, date, time, and special event for which the license was issued. A license is non-transferable and non-assignable. Any attempted transfer or assignment will void the license and all fees paid will be forfeited.(C)... (1)Application for a license ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Mesa lets restaurants and bars build permanent al fresco dining areas, but any outdoor eating area with more than four tables, more than eight seats, or alcohol service must install a barrier no taller than 42 inches and cannot use chain link, chicken wire, cyclone fencing, sway ropes, fabric, or canvas. Section 11-31-19 of the Zoning Ordinance sets the standards.
Mesa Permanent Outdoor Dining Area Rules
Some RestrictionsMesa City Code, Title 11, Chapter 31, § 11-31-19(C)
C.Outdoor eating area barriers. Barriers are meant to demarcate the section provided for an outdoor eating area, for both temporary and permanent outdoor eating areas. Barriers, such as but not limited to, fencing, decorative planters, or other architectural enclosures of the outdoor eating area, must comply with the following standards.1.Applicability. Barriers must be provided at the followin...
Looking for Maricopa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mesa city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Maricopa County →