• 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, is allowed only when it 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.

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 Event Planning Guide

Special Events Stormwater and Recycling Compliance Videos

• Watch the stormwater compliance video
• Watch the recycling and waste reduction video

Other Special Event Related Permits

There are a number of different special event-related permits that may be issued independently 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.

The following is a summary of the most common permits you may be required to obtain if you are planning a special event or an activity associated with a special event.

• Special Event Related Permits