Downtown Arts Vending on Private Property Pilot Program

What is the Downtown Arts Vending on Private Property Pilot Program (DAVOPP)?
The pilot program helps re-imagine the First Fridays Art Walk in its more traditional footprint and refocuses the event on promoting and vending local arts and arts vendor creations.

Businesses wishing to participate in First Fridays must apply for a permit authorizing them to host vendors on their private properties. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum number of permits has been issued. Once their permit has been approved, a business or property owner can finalize agreements with individual vendors who wish to be a part of First Fridays.

Why is First Fridays changing the way it operates?
In recent years, the promoters of First Fridays have relied on Special Event Permits and street closures to allow for vending and performances in the right-of-way within and around Roosevelt Street. These events grew significantly post-pandemic, and at the same time the focus of arts-related vendors changed significantly to more of a street fair mix of vendors with general merchandise and mobile food vending. The event began to attract attendees who were not as interested in viewing and purchasing art while stopping into existing businesses for food and/or drinks. This shift in attendance was also noted by multiple attendees of the stakeholder listening sessions held by the event promotors and coordinators. Collectively, these factors created more strain on public safety resources and ultimately became unsustainable for the event promoters.

What is the goal of the pilot program?
The goal of the program is to support a safer, more sustainable First Fridays that reconnects the event with its arts-focused roots and supports Downtown businesses and local artists.

When will the new First Fridays format begin?
Permit applications will open at 8:00 a.m. on September 16, 2026. The initial First Fridays event under the new format will take place on October 2, 2026.

How long will the pilot program last?
The pilot program will run for one year, encompassing 12 First Fridays events. Throughout this period, the City will collect data and evaluate how the new model supports safety, business engagement, and the event’s artistic mission.

Will First Fridays still take place on the first Friday of every month?
Yes. The event promoters will continue to support the event and promote it to outside attendees.

How will the new First Fridays be different from previous First Fridays events?
First Fridays has historically relied on Special Event Permits and right-of-way street closures to allow for vending to take place and support the connection to existing businesses. On April 16, 2026, Roosevelt Row announced that street closures would no longer be pursued to address public safety concerns. The proposed pilot program allows for a more focused group of vendors to better locate on private property proximate to their existing business.

Now, DAVOPP establishes a program through which a business may apply for a permit for vendors to operate on the business’ private property during First Fridays. Permits will be issued within the portion of the Arts, Culture, and Small Business Area within the Downtown Code. Pilot program vendors should be arts-focused and may sell locally produced arts, crafts, or food items. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Paintings, prints, and posters
• Stickers and magnets
• Jewelry
• Handcrafted apparel
• Pottery, ceramics, and glasswork

Artisanal food and drinks are permitted if:

• They are not dispensed from a vehicle OR
• A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is obtained.

Prohibited items may include, but are not limited to:

• Off-the-shelf consumer goods
• Secondhand goods
• Electronics
• Sunglasses
• Personal services such as massage, henna, tattoos, and palm readings.

Can vendors still set up on streets or sidewalks during First Fridays?
No, vendors must set up within the boundaries of the permitted business’ private property.

Where can vendors set up during First Fridays?
Vendors may set up:

• In courtyards or on outside patios of existing businesses. The business must have a permit from the pilot program.
• Indoors inside of brick-and-mortar businesses. Indoor vending does not require a permit.
• Performers busking in the public right-of-way are allowed without a permit and not further restricted by DAVOPP.

Is this policy exclusive to First Fridays only?
Yes, the policies outlined under DAVOPP apply only to First Fridays events. The program does not eliminate rights to host outdoor public events and performances for properties within the Arts, Culture, and Small Business Area as regulated by Zoning Ordinance Section 1207.M.3. It also does not eliminate rights to apply for Administrative Temporary Use Permits (ATUPs) or Temporary Use Permits (TUPs) that are required as components of a Temporary Extension of Premises (EOP) application within the Downtown Code, so long as the proposal is not inclusive of or limited to vendors and is not related to or include any request for a right-of-way closure (i.e., public alley or street). The City reserves the right to not approve any ATUP, TUP, or EOP based upon public safety concerns.

How can my business participate in First Fridays?
Businesses may apply for one of two types permits through the Planning and Development Department.

• Administrative Temporary Use Permit (ATUP) – Maximum 25 approved per First Fridays event.
  • For any request for outdoor vending activity which will be held between 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and does not include activities in required parking areas and does not include food or beverage dispensed from a vehicle.
  • $135 single application fee covers two First Fridays events.
  • $135 application fee to extend the permit for an additional two First Fridays events.
  • Maximum fees not to exceed $810 for the duration of the pilot program.
• Temporary Use Permit (TUP) – Maximum 5 approved per First Fridays.
  • For any request for outdoor vending activity which exceeds the allowances of the ATUP policy or will be held before 5:00 p.m. or up to 11:00 p.m., proposes activities in required parking areas, and includes food or beverage dispensed from a vehicle.
  • $1,380 application fee covers two First Fridays events with the option to extend through stipulated review hearings.
  • Extensions will not assess any additional fees.
  • Maximum fees not to exceed $1,380 for the duration of the pilot program.

Detailed information about submittal requirements, including required setbacks, pedestrian pathway requirements, and other information, is available in the City Council Resolution No. XX [insert link].

Do I need a permit to host First Fridays vendors on my property?
If your business plans to host vendors in outdoor spaces on the property, including patios and courtyards, a permit is required. If your business plans to host vendors indoors, a permit is not required, but activities must comply with all relevant building, occupancy, and life safety requirements.

Who applies for the permit, the business or each individual vendor?
The applicant must be the property owner or tenant (with owner authorization). Applications will not be accepted from third-party vendors.

If I receive a permit, can I host multiple vendors on my property?
Yes, you can host multiple vendors on your property. The number of vendors you can host depends on permit requirements such as setbacks from right-of-way, minimum area of vendor setup area, maintenance of pedestrian pathways, etc.

How do I apply for a permit?
You can apply for a permit online through SHAPE PHX or by making an appointment at the Zoning Counter at City Hall.

When will the City begin accepting applications?
Applications will be accepted beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until the maximum number of permits has been issued.

Will I need to apply for a new permit every month?
An Administrative Temporary Use Permit (ATUP) is valid for two First Fridays events, with the option to extend. A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is valid for two First Friday events with the option to extend through stipulated review hearings.

Can vendors set up in my parking lot?
This depends on the type of permit you have applied for. A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) allows activities in parking lots. An Administrative Temporary Use Permit (ATUP) does not allow activity in parking lots. If you are interested in using your parking lot for First Fridays events, please be sure to apply for a TUP.

What are my responsibilities as the participating business or property owner?
Businesses must ensure compliance with the conditions of DAVOPP and the requirements of any issued permits.

Am I responsible for making sure vendors on my property follow City requirements?
Yes.

Are there limits on event hours, amplified sound or lighting?
Vending activities will be limited to the hours approved on the issued permits. Amplified sound and lighting associated with any vending activity would be limited to the same hours.

Who can I contact if I have questions about permitting?
Contact our zoning team:
Byron Easton
byron.easton@phoenix.gov
(602) 262-6823

Eric Morales
eric.morales@phoenix.gov
(602) 262-7927

Adam Stranieri
adam.stranieri@phoenix.gov
(602) 262-7142

How can I become a First Fridays vendor?
Artists and vendors should work directly with a participating Downtown business or property owner that is hosting vendors for First Fridays. Individual vendors do not apply to the City for a DAVOPP permit. The participating business or property owner is responsible for obtaining the required permit for outdoor vending.

Do I apply with the City or directly with a participating business?
Vendors should coordinate directly with a participating business or property owner. Only the property owner or tenant hosting outdoor vendors should apply to the City for a permit.

Do individual artists and vendors need a permit?
No, only businesses that are hosting vendors need permits.

What types of vendors can participate?
Pilot program vendors should be arts-focused and may sell locally produced arts, crafts, or food items. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Paintings, prints, and posters
• Stickers and magnets
• Jewelry
• Handcrafted apparel
• Pottery, ceramics, and glasswork

Artisanal food and drinks are permitted if:

• They are not dispensed from a vehicle OR
• A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is obtained.

Prohibited items may include, but are not limited to:

• Off-the-shelf consumer goods
• Secondhand goods
• Electronics
• Sunglasses
• Personal services such as massage, henna, tattoos, and palm readings.

Performers busking in the public right-of-way are allowed without a permit and not further restricted by DAVOPP.

Can food vendors participate?
Artisanal food and drinks are permitted so long as they are not dispensed from a vehicle. If they are dispensed from a vehicle, a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) must be obtained.

Can musicians or performers participate?
Yes, busking is not further restricted by the pilot program.

Can I set up on a sidewalk in front of a participating business?
No. Vendors must set up entirely on the private property of the business at which they will be vending, per the business' approved site plans. This can be indoors, on a patio or courtyard, or in a parking area depending on the type of permit the business has obtained.

Can I set up in the street?
No. Street closures are no longer permitted for First Fridays events.

How do I know whether the property where I’m vending has an approved permit?
Vendors should confirm directly with the business or property owner that the required permit has been approved before setting up outdoors.

What time can vendors begin setting up, and when do we need to leave?
Vending activity must occur within the hours approved on the participating property's permit.

How does the new First Fridays format address public safety concerns?
The pilot program moves vending from streets and other public rights-of-way onto permitted private property. This reduces reliance on street closures and creates clearer requirements for where vending can occur. The program also requires businesses to comply with permit conditions, including setbacks, pedestrian pathways, and other site requirements intended to help minimize public safety impacts.

Why are vendors being moved onto private property?
The previous street fair-style format and right-of-way closures created public safety challenges that became unsustainable for all parties involved. Moving arts-focused vending onto permitted private property is intended to create a safer, more sustainable event while supporting existing Downtown businesses and local artists.

Will streets be closed for First Fridays?
No. Street closures are no longer permitted for First Fridays events.

What requirements must businesses and vendors follow to keep sidewalks, entrances and emergency access clear?
Businesses and vendors must comply with all conditions of the issued permit, including required setbacks, minimum vendor setup areas, pedestrian pathway requirements, and applicable building, occupancy, and life safety requirements. Vending must remain within the boundaries of the participating private property and may not operate in streets or sidewalks.

Who should I contact during First Fridays if I have a safety concern?
For emergencies, please call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency concerns, contact 602-262-6151.
Your safety matters—if you see something, say something.