EVENT PERMITTING INFORMATION

As demand for event space, city resources, and downtown venue access continues to grow, managing special events, street closures, and public spaces has become increasingly complex. To improve efficiency and better serve event organizers, the City is pleased to introduce Eproval, our new online event permitting system. Eproval streamlines the application and review process, making it easier for applicants and City departments to collaborate in real time. This enhanced system helps reduce paperwork, improve transparency, and accelerate permit processing. With Eproval, you can: • Submit permit applications online from any device • Track application status in real time • Communicate directly with City reviewers • Access current and past applications • Receive email notifications and updates • Benefit from a faster, more efficient approval process Please Note: A non-refundable $50 application processing fee is required upon submission of each event application. We also encourage organizers to consider World's Fair Park and other City parks as potential event locations. In many cases, utilizing park spaces can be a more cost-effective option than events requiring street closures. With nearly 100 parks throughout the City, we are happy to help explore alternative locations that may better fit your event needs. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to accommodate the growing number of event requests while ensuring the responsible use of public spaces and resources.

GUIDES

Special Events Guide
The Special Events Guide includes information to help event coordinators with guidelines on hosting an event within the City of Knoxville. All Special Events forms/permits have been combined into the new application system found but you will still need to submit a Temporary Traffic Control Permit, Parking Meter Bagging & Special Event Parking Permit and Special Event Beer Permit when needed.
View Special Events Guide [PDF]


Transfer of Risk Guide - Contracts
This document is the City's policy regarding insurance and indemnification requirements for City contracts, including leases.
View Transfer of Risk Guide - Contracts [PDF]


Transfer of Risk Guide - Special Events
This document is the City's policy regarding insurance and indemnification requirements for events held on City property.
View Transfer of Risk Guide - Special Events [PDF]


FORMS & PERMITS


Special Events Form
Required at least 90 days before event. A Special Events Application is required to ensure all your needs are met in regards to city services, therefore the completed form is required at least 90 days prior to the event date. The online application will initiate all proper forms that are needed for what your event entails.
Submit Form Online 


Event Vendor Information
Guidelines for vendors at an event
View Event Vendor Information [PDF]


Banner Request Form
Required at least 60 days before installation. There are only two types of banners permitted: pole or stage banner. A banner cannot hang over a city street, with the exception of Central Avenue in the Old City and Fountain City Park, where special supports have been installed. Banner space must be reserved and approved by the Office of Special Events. All banners must be to the City departments (2 weeks) before installation date. All final banner designs must be approved by the Office of Special Events, all banners must be hung by the City of Knoxville. Unless specified all banners are 2'x6'
Pole Banner locations include: 
• Church Street from Gay Street to State Street – 4 Banners
• Church Street from Market Street to Gay Street – 3 Banners
• Clinch Avenue from Market Street to Henley Street – 6 Banners
• Clinch Ave Viaduct between Henley Street and World’s fair Park Drive – 10 Banners
• Gay Street from Church Street to Summit Hill – 22 Banners
• Gay Street from Summit Hill to Jackson Avenue – 7 Banners (2'x4')
• Market Street between Union & Clinch – 6 Banners
• Market Square Mall Poles– 22 Banners
View Banner Request Application (new link coming soon)


Beer Permit
Required at least 70 days before event. Beer permit applications are available from the Business Tax Section of the city’s Revenue Office. The beer permit applicant must appear before the Beer Board for consideration of their request for a beer permit. Members of the City Council sit as the Beer Board, which meets before the second City Council meeting of each month. 
View Special Event Beer Permit Form [PDF]


Emergency Action Plan
It is important to be as prepared as possible when an emergency arises at your event. A well thought out plan in advance is extremely important.  You are required to submit a security plan for your event which is included in the application process.


Fire Inspection Scheduling Information Sheet
Required at least 30 days before event. This form must be completed to schedule a Fire Inspection for any event where cooking, grilling and/or tent set up will occur on City property.
View Fire Inspection Scheduling Information Sheet [PDF]
Outdoor Cooking at Special Events Guidelines [PDF] 


Noise Permit Request
Required at least 30 days before event. Noise permits are only valid on a Friday, Saturday or Nationally recognized holidays, and shall be effective only between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm. Special noise permits shall be limited to a single day, and no more than two permits shall be issued to any premises in any twelve-month period.
View Noise Permit Form [PDF]
 

Parking Meter Bagging & Special Event Parking Permit
Required at least 30 days before event. This Traffic Engineering permit is used to block off or reserve a parking spot for construction, moving, special events, etc.
View Parking Meter Bagging & Special Event Parking Permit Form [PDF]


Temporary Traffic Control Permit
Required 60 days before event. For an event that requires a road closure, the event coordinator must secure a Temporary Traffic Control Permit through the City of Knoxville Engineering Department (865-215-6109), which may charge an additional fee for preparation of a traffic control plan. The Office of Special Events must be given notice of the application for a Temporary Traffic Control Permit. Every city road closure requires a off-duty Knoxville Police Officer on site, at a minimum rate of $50.00/hour with a 4 hour minimum.
View Temporary Traffic Control Permit [PDF]