Tempe ADA Rules for Temporary Events
Accessibility basics
Temporary events must provide accessible paths, seating, viewing areas, and sanitary facilities that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design where applicable. Event planners should integrate accessible ingress/egress, clear routes at least 36 inches wide where feasible, accessible parking or drop-off, and clear signage. Consider accessible ticketing, companion seating, and portable ramp or graded access for stages and platforms.
- Provide an unobstructed accessible route from public transit, parking, or drop-off to event entrances.
- Ensure ticketing and information desks have a lowered counter or alternative assistive provision.
- Reserve accessible parking or marked drop-off zones close to event access points.
- Make temporary ramps and platforms compliant with slope and handrail guidance where required.
- Provide accessible restroom options or clearly marked accessible portable toilets.
On-site planning and compliance checklist
Use this checklist during planning and on the event day to verify accessible elements are in place and staff know how to assist attendees with disabilities.
- Map accessible routes and emergency egress paths and include them in site plans.
- Train staff and volunteers on disability etiquette and the location of accessible services.
- Keep accessible routes free of temporary obstructions and signage boxes.
- Publish accessibility information and contact options in event materials.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of accessibility at temporary events in Tempe is handled through the city permitting and code compliance processes; federal ADA enforcement may apply in parallel for public accommodations. For local permitting and contacts see the Special Event Permit page on the City of Tempe website Special Event Permit[1]. The official pages used for this guidance are current as of February 2026 unless the city page indicates a later update.
Fine amounts and specific monetary penalties for ADA noncompliance at temporary events are not summarized on the cited city permit page and therefore are "not specified on the cited page" below; federal remedies for ADA violations are handled under federal law and through the Department of Justice where applicable.
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: not specified on the cited page for first/repeat/continuing offences.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to correct, stop-work or stop-event orders, permit suspension or revocation, and potential civil enforcement actions.
- Enforcer: City of Tempe permit and code compliance staff and Building Safety; complaints may also initiate federal ADA review.
- Inspection and complaints: contact the Special Events office via the city permit page above for reporting and inspection requests.
- Appeals and review: permit decisions and compliance orders typically include appeal routes in the permit or code notice; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences and discretion: permits, reasonable accommodations, or approved variances may affect enforcement; check permit terms and coordinate with staff.
Applications & Forms
The City of Tempe requires a Special Event Permit application for most organized temporary events; the online permit packet and instructions are provided on the city Special Events page. Specific form numbers, detailed fee schedules, deadlines, and fee amounts are not specified on the cited permit landing page and should be confirmed on the application packet or by contacting event services directly.[1]
FAQ
- Do temporary outdoor markets need to comply with ADA requirements?
- Yes. Markets open to the public are expected to provide accessible routes, accessible vendor areas, and restroom access consistent with ADA standards where applicable.
- Who enforces accessibility at city-permitted events?
- The City of Tempe permit and code compliance teams, together with Building Safety for structural matters; federal ADA enforcement can apply through the Department of Justice for public accommodations.
- How do I request an accommodation for my event?
- Include accommodation requests in your permit application and contact the Special Events office as instructed on the permit page to arrange details.
How-To
- Start early: review ADA needs while drafting your site plan and apply for the Special Event Permit well before the event date.
- Map and mark accessible routes, parking, drop-off points, restrooms, and viewing areas on the site plan submitted with your permit.
- Secure compliant ramps, signage, and accessible toilets; test routes on-site for obstacles and width clearance.
- Train staff and volunteers on assisting guests with disabilities and on how to handle accommodation requests.
- Document actions taken and keep records of accommodation requests and responses in case of inspections or complaints.
Key Takeaways
- Plan accessibility into your event from day one to avoid corrections and ensure inclusion.
- Obtain and follow the City of Tempe Special Event Permit and site-plan requirements.
- Contact event services early for clarifications or to request reasonable accommodations.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Tempe Special Events (permits, contacts, instructions)
- City of Tempe Building Safety (permits, inspections)
- City of Tempe Municipal Code (official ordinances)