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Special Events
NEW! Online Special Event Permit Application
$269 permit application fee
$37 per business day late fee
Fee Changes Fiscal Year 2023 – Effective July 1, 2022
- City public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way; and/or
- City public parks or other City public property; and/or
- Outdoor private property including parking lots, only when the property is part of a Special Event Venue that includes City public property and permission has been received by the property owner/manager (for example, a parking lot used as part of a street festival venue).
There is a $269 permit application processing fee 60 days or more prior to the event day and an additional $37 per business day late fee for applications received less than 60 days prior to the event date. Applications up to 30 days prior to an event will be accepted with applicable late fees. However, events that are less than 30 days out and do not have an application already submitted must receive approval from the Special Events & Filming Department Executive Director to submit a late application. Please email specialevents@sandiego.gov to request approval to submit a late application within 30 days of an event. It is strongly recommended that you submit your permit application at least 120 days prior to the proposed event date.
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ADVISORY FOR 2024 EVENTS: Due to public safety staffing constraints, all new events and historical events with a date change, are subject to availability.Your event date is not guaranteed.Special event permit applications are reviewed on a first come, first served basis, and accepted only once deemed substantially complete. Below is a list of impacted 2024 dates. If you are interested in having your event on one of these dates, please contact the Office of Special Events and Filming first, to determine availability.
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Special Event Planning Guide
The Special Event Planning Guide has been developed to guide you through the Citywide Special Event Permit Process and to provide you with guidelines and requirements associated with special event management in the City of San Diego. This is an important reference guide as you develop your event plans and complete your permit application.
Special Events Storm Water and Recycling Compliance Videos
Special Event Planning Guideline Topics
Key topics found in the Special Event Planning Guide have been identified and created in a printer friendly PDF format.
- Special Event Guidelines California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) May 2014
- Special Event GuidelinesAccessibility
- Alcohol Management
- Alcohol Permit Conditions
- Amplified Sound
- Calendar of Events
- Community Outreach
- Décor and Special Effects
- Event Activities
- Event Date Location Attendance
- Host Organization Primary Contact
- Insurance
- Medical Plan
- No Parking Signage and Towing
- Parade and Float Requirements
- Performances
- Special Event GuidelinesPermit Application
- Portable Cooking
- Power Distribution
- Production Meetings
- Recycling and Trash
- Required Signature and Affidavit
- Reserving a Venue
- Restrooms and Sinks
- Safety Equipment and Fencing
- Security
- Site Plan and Route Map
- Special Event Related Permits
- Stages Tables Seating
- Storm Water Management
- Street Closure and Reopening
- Temporary Structures
- Tents and Canopies
- Transportation Plan
Other Special Event Related Permits
There are a number of different special event related permits that may be issued independent of a Citywide Special Event Permit or may be required in conjunction with a Citywide Special Event Permit. The proposed event venue, activities, components, attendance, and unique circumstances of the event are contributing factors to the final determination of the required permit types.
Following is a summary of the most common permits types you may be required to obtain if you are planning a special event or an activity associated with a special event.