Register an event

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Are you planning a public event? Depending on their size and nature, public events must be approved. Here you’ll find an overview of the most important requirements and the next steps.

Key Points at a Glance

  • The municipality where the event takes place is the permitting authority.
  • The application form from the relevant municipality must be submitted at least three months before the event.
  • One-time private events generally do not require a permit.

In the city of Zurich, please contact:

Events Office

Phone +41 44 411 73 66
Email Stp-bfv@zuerich.ch

Permits for Events | City of Zurich

Requirements and Guidelines

Events Requiring a Permit

An event may require a permit for various reasons. For example, if:

  • public property is used
  • a food and beverage stand is operated
  • Grandstands or tents are erected
  • amplifiers are used outdoors
  • food or beverages are sold
  • heavy traffic is expected
  • potential safety hazards exist

If in doubt, check with the local municipality to see if a permit is required.

Private Events

One-time private events within the usual scope and without external impacts (e.g., noise, additional traffic, or safety risks) generally do not require a permit.

However, if the event is held regularly—especially commercial events with large crowds and external impacts—the use of the premises must be thoroughly reviewed, even in a private context. Depending on the situation, a police permit for the event may suffice. This depends on the specific circumstances of each case.

Private events in public buildings or buildings designated for such purposes do not necessarily require a permit; this is usually granted tacitly through the provision of the space (see Rules of Use).

How to proceed

Use the accordion controls to toggle the visibility of each panel (below the controls).

Contact the municipality where the event is taking place. Ask:

  • Whether a permit is required.
  • What documents and plans are required.
  • What deadlines must be met.
  • Whether the cantonal application form is used.

Fill out the application form used by the host municipality. The Canton of Zurich provides an application form. The form outlines the requirements for your event and the plans that are required. It also serves as a checklist.

Develop the necessary plans in consultation with the municipality:

  • Safety plan (organizer is responsible)
  • Traffic and mobility plan
  • Waste management plan
  • Additional specialized plans depending on the type of event

Submit the fully completed application form to the local municipality at least three months before the planned event.

Note:
The information on this page is for guidance only and is not exhaustive. Details should be clarified with experts or the relevant authorities as early as possible.

Contact

Baudirektion

Address

Walcheplatz 2
Postfach
8090 Zürich
Route (Google)
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Phone

+41 43 259 28 00


Bürozeiten


Montag bis Donnerstag
8.00 bis 12.00 Uhr und
13.30 bis 17.00 Uhr

Freitag
8.00 bis 12.00 Uhr und
13.30 bis 16.00 Uhr

Email

info@bd.zh.ch

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