Dallas Leads the Way in Special Event Permitting Innovation

For more than two years, the City of Dallas has been leveraging Eproval’s special event permitting platform to support one of the most active event calendars in the country.

Known for its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and dynamic public spaces, Dallas is home to hundreds of events annually—from local festivals to large-scale productions.

Behind each successful event is a complex permitting process that can require the coordination of more than twenty different departments.

Since adopting Eproval, Dallas has dramatically improved how its permitting workflows are managed, making the process faster, more transparent, and more efficient for both city staff and applicants.

We needed a permitting solution that could keep up with the scale and complexity of Dallas’s event scene. Eproval has not only helped us streamline reviews but also empowered departments to communicate more effectively with applicants while staying aligned internally.

 

– Jackie Justice, Assistant Director of Convention and Event Services.

Seamless Permitting Workflows

One of the most impactful capabilities Dallas has implemented is post-submission workflows—a feature that extends coordination beyond the initial application review.

Once an application is under review, departments like Police and EMS use these workflows to communicate specific public safety requirements directly to applicants, including the number and type of officers or medical personnel required to support an event.

“These post-submission workflows have added a layer of transparency that benefits both city departments and event organizers,” says Jonathan Thompson, Managing Director of Eproval. “Applicants receive clear, timely guidance on safety expectations, while departments can track and document communications in one central location.”

At the same time, other departments use Eproval’s internal-only workflows to coordinate day-of tasks and operational planning. These secure, behind-the-scenes areas are not visible to applicants but can be accessed by the reviewers and permit manager—enabling logistics like irrigation shut-off, barricade setup, and staff assignments to be managed efficiently.

Because Eproval is cloud-based and built with responsive design, Dallas reviewers and permit managers can access these plans and communications in the field on any device. This ensures everyone stays aligned during event operations, even outside the office.

“Dallas is a city that embraces innovation and community engagement. Their team has continuously expanded their use of Eproval’s out-of-the-box features, and we’re proud to support their efforts to create safer, better-managed events for everyone.”

 

— Jonathan Thompson, Managing Director, Eproval

With Eproval, Dallas isn’t just keeping up with demand—it’s setting a new benchmark for what thoughtful, responsive special event permitting can look like.

Learn more about how Eproval can enhance your city’s special event and film permitting. Complete the form below to get in touch with our team.

Office of Special Events – City of Dallas

Schedule a virtual demo with the Eproval team here.