The Special Services section is responsible for: special events such as Street Scene, the Thunder Boat Races, street fairs, trade shows, high school Grad Nights; events at large public assemblies like the Sports Arena and Qualcomm Stadium; events in locations where large number of people do not normally gather; and events in many other settings.

Special Events Guidelines

Special Events Guidelines (PDF) This document describes many of the events requiring a permit and outlines the procedure for obtaining the permit.

Some events require only a fire permit, while others require a permit from other City departments, including the Office of Special Events & Filming.

Regulation is based on the type of event, the setting and the potential risk to the participants and the surrounding community.

Questions may be addressed to Special Services at 619-533-4388.

Permits

The Application for a Single Event Permit (PDF) can be completed online, and can be emailed, mailed, faxed or carried in to our office:

San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
Community Risk Reduction Division
600 B Street, Suite 1300
San Diego, CA 92101
Mail Station 603
Attn: Special Events

Information Bulletins

Each of the following provides information to familiarize promoters, sponsors and vendors with information about specific types of events. For questions which have not been covered here, contact 619-533-4388.

• Model Rocketry (PDF)
• Outdoor Festivals/Special Events (PDF)
• Portable Exterior Cooking Booths (PDF)
• Trade Shows and Exhibits (PDF)