Welcome to your central resource for all permits, licenses, and registrations in Las Cruces. Whether you’re starting a new business, building a home, or hosting an event, obtaining the right documentation is crucial for compliance and success. This page offers a comprehensive overview of the various permits, licenses, and registrations required by the city. You’ll find detailed information on how to apply, necessary fees, and the specific regulations that may affect your project or business. Use our guides and resources to navigate the process efficiently, ensuring that all your activities are fully compliant with local laws and regulations. Let’s get started on the right path to securing your permit, license, or registration today.
For more about the Downtown Permits or Destination Downtown, contact us at 575-541-2191 or, downtown@las-cruces.org.
Steps for Completing the Permit Process
- Contact the Downtown Staff for pre-application discussion to find out whether your event can be held downtown. Staff will provide you with the City Manager’s Facility Use Policy and Downtown Facility Permitting Standard Operating Procedures.
- Select the downtown location that you would like to reserve
- To obtain preliminary approval you must submit a complete Permit Application, site plan, and payment to the Downtown Staff.
- Follow the appropriate steps below based on the number of working days. Listed below are minimum time requirements; earlier is better. For this process, a Facility Use Packet will be considered complete and ready for final approval only if it includes:
- Filled-out Facility Use Application, included herein;
- Site Map of your event
- Proof of Liability Insurance listing the City of Las Cruces as additionally insured
- Traffic Control Plan and invoice from barricade company, if applicable;
- Main Street Stakeholder Notification Form, if applicable.
Events without street closure or alcohol (excluding Main Street)
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 15 working days (3 weeks) prior to the event. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events involving a street closure or parade, but without alcohol (not including Main Street closure)
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 20 working days (4 weeks) prior to the event. The application shall include: 1) A map of the proposed street closures or the route of the procession or parade; 2) The staging location; and 3) The start and end times. This information is in addition to that requested on the application. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events with alcohol, regardless of street closure
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 45 working days (9 weeks) prior to the event. In addition to the application, the process and timeline defined by the City for alcohol licensing must be followed. Inability or unwillingness to follow the process and/or timeline will result in a denial of the Facility Use Application. If a street closure is also requested as part of the application, the organizers must follow the policy for events with street closures. The application will then be subject to a review and action by the Downtown Staff. The Downtown Staff may request input from some of the Main St. Downtown stakeholders.
Events with Main Street closure
A Facility Use Packet shall be turned in no less than 60 working days (12 weeks) prior to the event. Input from businesses with a storefront on the portion of Main Street you wish to close must be notified and invited to collaborate on your event, if they wish. A signature from the business owner listed on the Main Street Stakeholder Notification Form will be required from at least 75% of all listed Main Street stakeholders to approve this application.
Downtown Event Applicant’s Checklist
When planning for your downtown event, you will need to provide the following in order for your application to be complete and ready for review:
- Contact the Downtown Staff and schedule to have application reviewed.
- Read and understand the City Manager’s Facility Use Policy and Downtown Facility Permitting Standard Operating Procedures.
- Complete the Facility Use Application and return – including any necessary permits – within the required time frame discussed with Destination Downtown Staff.
- Provide a site plan of event layout and vendor locations.
- If closing any streets, provide traffic control plan and invoice from barricade company.
- Submit the event holder liability insurance and endorsement, and for any participating food trucks.
Site Plan or Route Map Information
The Site Plan is a detailed map and “floor plan” of your event. The Route Map details the entire parade or procession route. To ensure a quick and thorough review of your Facility Use Application, please include the following applicable details on the Site Plan or Route Map and submit it with your application. A base map will be provided by staff. Applications submitted without a site or route plan or with an incomplete plan may result in the application being denied.
Site Plans or Route Maps shall include the following:
- The location and boundaries of the planned event, including proposed fencing, location of all entrances and exits, emergency exits, and security guard and fire extinguisher locations
- All stage, table, and canopy locations, include dimensions
- All signage for the event, both internal and external to the event site boundaries
- All proposed porta-potty locations, including ADA-accessible porta-potties and hand-washing stations
- All proposed trash dumpster locations, including size and placement
- A Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is required for a street closure. (Select TCPs are provided by staff.)
- A Route Map and Traffic Control Plan are required for parades or processions
For more about the Plaza de Las Cruces or Destination Downtown, contact us at 575-541-2150 or, downtown@lascruces.gov.
