Special Events & Filming
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Special Events
NEW! Online Special Event Permit Application
$150 permit application fee
$10 per business day late fee
A Special Event Permit is required for an organized activity that incorporates the use of:
- 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).
Examples of activities that require a Special Event Permit include festivals, parades, runs/walks, and farmer/art markets.
There is a $150 permit application processing fee 60 days or more prior to the event day and an additional $10 per business day late fee for applications received less than 60 days prior to the event date. It is strongly recommended that you submit your permit application at least 120 days prior to the proposed event date.
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.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Please refer to guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CPDH) regarding the return to usual operations for most activities. The requirements and recommendations for negative testings / vaccine verification as issued by the CDPH will be in place effective June 15, 2021 through October 1, 2021. The state will assess conditions by September 1, 2021, to determine whether updated requirements or recommendations are needed beyond October 1, 2021.
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.