Special Events & Permits in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Block Party Permits

A neighborhood block party in unincorporated Maricopa County counts as a "Special Event" occupying county right-of-way, and Ordinance P-36 requires a Right-of-Way Permit from the MCDOT Director before any street closure. Organizers submit plans, pay a Special Event Plan Review fee, and generally carry liability insurance and an assurance bond before MCDOT authorizes the closure.

Maricopa County Block Party ROW Permit

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-36, Arts. II, IV & XII (Special Events Definition; Permit Requirement; Violations)

Special Events: One-time occupation such as neighborhood block parties, holiday celebrations, fairs, festivals, promotional events, sporting events, and other similar types of events, approved to occur in Maricopa County Right-of-Way. ... No Work shall occur within a County Right-of-Way unless and until a Permit shall first have been issued. ... It shall be unlawful for any person...to occupy, ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parade Permits

Block parties, parades, fairs and other special events that use unincorporated Maricopa County road right-of-way need a Right-of-Way Permit from MCDOT before the event, with a $100-per-sheet special event plan review fee.

Maricopa County Special Event ROW Permits

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-36, Art. II (Definitions)

Special Events: One-time occupation such as neighborhood block parties, holiday celebrations, fairs, festivals, promotional events, sporting events, and other similar types of events, approved to occur in Maricopa County Right-of-Way.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Street Fair Rules

Fairs, festivals, and block parties held in county right-of-way need an MCDOT Right-of-Way Permit before setup, with a $100-per-sheet special event plan review fee and no work allowed until it's issued.

Maricopa County Street Fair and Festival Permits

Some Restrictions

Maricopa County Ordinance P-36, Article II (Definitions)

Special Events: One-time occupation such as neighborhood block parties, holiday celebrations, fairs, festivals, promotional events, sporting events, and other similar types of events, approved to occur in Maricopa County Right-of-Way.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗