Traffic Control Plans 

What is a Traffic Control Plan (TCP)?

A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is a detailed layout that shows how traffic will be managed during an event. It ensures the safe movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles around or through the event area, particularly when roads, sidewalks, or public rights-of-way are impacted​​. Outside of residential/neighborhood block parties, Traffic Control Plans must come from a Certified Traffic Controller.

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When is a TCP Required?

A TCP is required for events that:

  • Fully or partially close public streets.

  • Alters normal traffic patterns.

  • Require detours for vehicles or pedestrians.

  • Utilize public parking lanes or stalls.

Smaller events, such as Residential/Neighborhood Block Parties, may use simplified TCP templates provided by Tacoma Venues & Events.

Requirements for a TCP

To comply with Tacoma’s regulations, a TCP must include the following:

    • Clearly outline the affected streets or lanes, including start and end points of closures.

    • Indicate whether closures are full, partial, or rolling (e.g., for parades)​​.

    • Indicate impacts to on-street parking stall inventory.

    • Show alternative routes for vehicular traffic, including directional signage placement.

    • Coordinate how public transit (Pierce Transit and Sound Transit) will be rerouted, if applicable​​.

    • Designated safe pathways for non-vehicular traffic, ensuring ADA accessibility throughout the event footprint​​.

    • Include the location of barricades, cones, and temporary signage, such as "Road Closed" or detour markers.

    • Devices must meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards​.

    • For events that take place on an arterial, all devices must be placed or supervised by a certified traffic controller. 

    • Maintain clear routes for emergency vehicles, which must remain unobstructed at all times with a 20 foot minimum path through the footprint for emergency vehicles. This is critical for ensuring safety during the event​​.

    • Based on the location of the event, additional traffic requirements may be added to the event footprint. 

    • Additional requirements may include:

      • Uniformed officers in vehicles

      • Roving uniformed officers

      • Vehicle barriers

      • Officers maintaining signed intersections

      • Certified flaggers

      • Volunteers who will assist in traffic control and crowd management.

    • Any additional requirements determined by the Special Events Review Committee will be the responsibility of the production organizer to schedule and remit any associated costs.

    • Provide public notices to residents and businesses affected by road closures at least 30 days in advance. Notices should include maps and contact information for concerns​​.

    • The Permitting Authority has discretion to determine the size of the reasonable radius for notification based on factors including the event size and its impact on surrounding properties.

Submission and Review Process

  1. Preparation: The applicant is responsible for preparing the TCP, which may require assistance from a professional traffic control vendor. A list of approved vendors is available through Tacoma Venues & Events. Resources and Links - City of Tacoma

  2. Submission: Submit the TCP as part of the permit application, no later than 60 days before the event date. For block parties, a generic TCP template is available from Tacoma Venues & Events​ and is due 30 days before the event date.

  3. City Review: The Public Works Transportation Division and Tacoma Police Department will review the plan and may request revisions or additional information before approval​​.

  4. Additional Requirements: Based on the approved TCP, additional requirements, such as, but not limited to, uniformed officers and vehicle barricades, may be required for protection from vehicle intrusion to the event footprint. 

  5. Approval and Implementation: Once approved, organizers must implement the TCP using proper devices and ensure compliance during the event. Organizers are also responsible for deploying and removing all devices​​.

Residential/Neighborhood Block Party TCP

Events classified as Residential/Neighborhood Block Party and only spending one block or less can request the use of a Non-Arterial TCP Template, based on street type, from Tacoma Venues & Events.