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Planning Your Event

KC Event Hub is your one-stop coordination tool for planning events in Kansas City. Built with event organizers in mind, our platform simplifies the permitting process by helping you identify exactly what you need— and streamlining the steps to get it done.

Special Permitting During World Cup Operations

To help Kansas City prepare for World Cup operations, temporary permitting restrictions will be in place in designated zones from June 1 through July 12, 2026. These restrictions are intended to reduce conflicts, protect access, and support safe movement throughout key areas of the city during this high-activity period. 

Who Is Affected 

These restrictions may affect anyone planning activity within a designated zone, including:

  • Construction in the City’s right-of-way
  • Street closures
  • Traffic control activity
  • Festivals, parades, or large public events 

  • Other permitted activities within designated areas  

What Is Restricted

From June 1 to July 12, 2026, Kansas City will not issue:

  • New construction permits for non-emergency work in the City’s right-of-way 

  • New traffic control permits within designated zones  

During that same period:

  • Block party permits will continue to be accepted and reviewed
  • Parades, festivals, street closures, and other large public gathering permits will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis 

  • Previously approved permits will also be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to assess potential impacts  

Exceptions

The following activities are still allowed during the restriction period:

  • Emergency infrastructure repairs
  • Public safety-related construction 

  • Events officially coordinated with the City’s World Cup Host Committee  

Applying for a Permit Within the Special Permit Zone

Activities within the special permit zones will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis during the restriction period. Applicants must include the following information:

  • Event dates and times
  • Closure plan, if applicable
  • Security plan
  • Emergency evacuation plan
  • On-site medical plan
  • Parking plan
  • Ride-share plan
  • Cooling station plan, if applicable
  • Daily on-site event contact person
  • Food truck information, if applicable
  • Required signatures 

  • All plans submitted in the City’s standardized format 

Additional Requirements for Events 

The applicant must be authorized to act on behalf of the sponsoring organization. 

For festival-type events, applicants must complete the online Festival Event Application through CompassKC and submit the following at least 15 business days before the event:

  • Public Notification Plan
  • Detailed Traffic Control Plan, including drawings
  • Written notice to adjacent property owners
  • Sample notification letter 

  • Festival Petition with required signatures  

If an event is planned on a boulevard or parkway, written permission from the Parks & Recreation Department must also be uploaded with the application.  

Fees 

After permit approval, applicants must pay: 

  • $88 non-refundable application fee 

  • Traffic control fee  

Payments may be made: 

  • Online through CompassKC

  • In person at the Finance Department, 1st Floor, City Hall  

What Is a Designated Zone? 

Designated zones are specific areas of Kansas City identified to support World Cup operations. A designated zone is a defined area where temporary permitting restrictions apply to help the City manage access, safety, and operations during the World Cup activity period. 

Before You Apply 

Before submitting a request, keep in mind:

  • Each permit type has different requirements
  • Instructions in CompassKC should be reviewed carefully
  • Extension requests should be submitted at least three business days in advance
  • Permits are processed in order of event start date

  • If traffic control requirements are unfamiliar, the City recommends hiring a certified traffic control contractor 

Helpful Definitions 

  • Right-of-way: City-owned streets, sidewalks, and public pathways
  •  Emergency egress: A clear and safe exit route in case of evacuation 
  • Traffic Control Plan: A detailed plan showing how traffic will be managed during construction or an event 

  • Festival Petition: A form signed by adjacent property owners, residents, and businesses approving a proposed street closure 

Other Common Questions

How do I request an exemption review?

If you believe your project qualifies for an exception, you may submit a request for exemption review. Requests will be evaluated based on: 

  • Public safety considerations
  • Operational impact
  • Traffic management needs
  • Alignment with World Cup planning activities

To initiate a review, contact the Permits Group in Public Works.

How do I contact the Permits Group?

Questions, exemption requests, and geographic clarification inquiries should be directed to:

  • Construction Permits – City Planning Department

Does this mean the City is pausing all construction?

No. This is a temporary and geographically limited adjustment designed to protect critical corridors and support event operations during a short, defined period. Construction and permitting will continue citywide outside the designated Special Permit Area.