Definition

Special Events, as defined below, require notice to the City and may require a permit application.

“Special Event” means, including but without limitation, any assembly, congregation, attraction, display, entertainment, demonstration, carnival, bazaar, circus, rodeo, or other traveling show, fair, festival, food faire, cook-off, dance, sporting event, concert or performance, or any other planned occurrence, that is likely to meet any one or more of the following criteria:

A. Be attended by fifty (50) or more people;

B. Obstruct, delay or interfere with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or otherwise fail to comply with traffic laws and controls; or

C. Can be reasonably expected to become a hazard to the public peace, health, safety or general welfare as determined by either the Chief of Police or the Fire Chief.

Accordingly, every person, firm, corporation, partnership or other business operation intending to hold a Special Event within the City is required to complete a Notice of Special Event and/or a permit application, depending upon the location of the event and the estimated number of participants.

This guide is prepared for your use in complying with this requirement. If you have any questions about the applicability of any exhibits, please contact the Department of Finance at (916) 617-4589 or email us at:

General Conditions

1. The conduct of such activity will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic.



2. The concentration of persons, animals, and/or vehicles will not unduly interfere with proper fire and police protection of, or ambulance service to, areas where the activity will take place or areas contiguous to such area.



3. The conduct of the activity will not unduly interfere with the movement of fire fighting equipment en route to a fire or the movement of other emergency equipment.



4. The conduct of such activity shall not be conducted so as to be reasonably likely to cause injury to persons or property.



5. The activity will not interfere with, or pose an undue danger to, any public works function of the city.



6. The activity is not to be held for the sole purpose of advertising the goods, wares or merchandise of a particular establishment or vendor.

1. The area is traveled with heavy truck or other vehicle traffic. Blocking roadway, any entrance, or exits will not be allowed. Safety for picketers is a concern in that the area does not have a sidewalk and does not provide for pedestrian traffic. Picketers must refrain from using the roadway and confine the picket to the dirt area just outside the gated area.



2. Parking in the area is limited. Parking is available a short distance from the site.



3. The Police Department requests an orderly and peaceful picket. All city, state and federal laws must be obeyed.



4. No impeding or blocking of sidewalks or walkways will be allowed.



5. Picketers may not congregate in a group so as to impede rights of way.



6. Signs are not to be carried to hinder movement or be used in an unsafe manner that could cause injury. Sticks cannot be used in any manner as a weapon or tool to cause threats, threats of violence or injury.



7. Fees for the application are to be determined.