Special Event Permit

The City of Sacramento is host to more than five hundred public special events annually. As you begin to plan your event, it is important to recognize that each of these events serves a unique role in forming the intricate fabric of our community and that the quality of your special event can make a difference to the City of Sacramento.

The City of Sacramento is eager to have you celebrate your special event in California’s capitol. We have established a process to aid you in applying for the necessary permits. After you have carefully developed your special event plan, submit your proposed event description and plan to the City of Sacramento in the form of a Special Event Application (PDF - 94 KB).

Once we receive your completed Special Event Application, a representative from the City will contact you and thereafter will serve as your primary point of contact for the processing of your permit. This person will review your Special Event Application and notify you if your event requires any additional information, permits, licenses or needs to be reviewed by our Special Event Review Board.

Fees

A non-refundable processing fee is required at the time the Special Event Application is submitted to the City of Sacramento. The fee is based on the number or spectators and/or participants:

• $75 processing fee for 500 or fewer spectators/participants
• $200 processing fee for 501 – 3,000 spectators/participants
• $350 processing fee for 3,001 or more spectators/participants

Additional fees and/or deposits may be assessed by other City of Sacramento Departments or local agencies.

Event Planning Guide

The City of Sacramento’s Special Event Services division is committed to providing you with the highest customer service in helping to plan and implement your special event. We have developed an Event Planning Guide (PDF - 5 MB) to assist you in the planning process. The following items are covered in detail in the Guide:

• Advertising
  
• Alcohol
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  
• Amplified Sound
  
• Banners & Signs
  
• Broadcasting
  
• Carnivals/Circuses
  
• Concert/Dance
  
• Demonstration/Protest/Rally
• Equipment
  
• Entertainment Permits
  
• Fencing
  
• Film Production
  
• Fire Department Requirements
  
• Fireworks
  
• Food Booths
  
• Generators
  
• Heaters
  
• Helicopter/Balloon Landings
  
• Insurance
  
• Neighborhood Block Parties
• Notification
  
• Old Sacramento
  
• Parades/Street Closures/Traffic Control
  
• Parking
  
• Parks
• Private Property
• Regional Transit
• Runs
• Restroom Facility
• Search Light
  
• Security
• Site Plan
  
• Street Cleaning
• Street Closures
  
• Tents/Temporary Structures
• Traffic Control
  
• Trash Disposal
  
• Vendor Booths
• Walks
• Contacts
  

Obtain a Special Event Application

There are three (3) ways to obtain a Special Event Application to start the permit process:

1. Download 5-page 
   Special Events Permit Application form (PDF) 94 KB ( Open in new window) then print, complete, and submit as instructed on page 5 of the application;
   
2. Visit the Coloma Community Center, Monday through Thursday, 10am - 4pm to request an application;
   
3. Contact Special Event Services, (916) 808-7888 or specialeventservices@cityofsacramento.org to request an application.
   

PDF files require free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

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