Special Events & Filming
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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
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 $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.
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
COVID-19 Safety Recommendations
All event operators and attendees can use the California SMARTER Plan along with local conditions as a guide. Event operators should consider a layered approach, because when combined, these strategies have a greater ability to mitigate the dangers of transmission. These recommendations can be adopted to fit your target demographic as needed given the ongoing community transmission of COVID-19 and the presence of the new and emerging variants in your area.
Special Events:
Please refer to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) 
Event Playbook for best practices and recommendations for event operators to produce safe and smart live events.
Additional guidance issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are available for prevention protocols. While not required by the State or County Public Health Department, event organizers are strongly encouraged to have COVID prevention protocols and mitigation efforts in place as outlined in the Events Playbook in order to provide best efforts to ensure a safe event.
Please provide any COVID protocols being followed in your special event application. The City recommends the organizer post relevant information to the public on event websites, social media, and on-site.
NEW! Mixed Ages Pilot Program
The City of San Diego is implementing a pilot program with criteria that will allow event organizers to apply for mixed ages to be present where alcohol is purchased and consumed within a fenced, outdoor special event venue effective January 1, 2022 through January 30, 2023. Instructions on the application process are available within the Eproval Special Event Permit Application portal.
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.