Special Events Permits

When do I need a Special Events Application?

A Special Events permit is required for an event such as a Parade, Carnival, Grand-Opening, Concert, Walk-a-thon, Race Rally, Dance, Festival and all other similar type events.

You may download a copy of the application by clicking on the link to the right. Once you have the form, fill it out and bring it, and any other indicated documents, to the City Manager's Office at City Hall.

Applications for a Special Event can also be obtained at the following locations:

Park Facilities Use

Reservations for the use of Sherwood Park, Natividad Creek Park and El Dorado West Park require reservation in advance. Fees may vary depending on the location and use.

Types of Permits and Licenses

Amplified Sound Permit

An Amplified Sound Permit is required for the commercial and non-commercial use of sound-amplifying equipment for the purpose of giving instructions, directions, talks, addresses, lectures or transmitting music to any person or assemblages of persons in or upon any street, ally, sidewalk, park or outdoor place open to the public.

Parade Permit

A Parade Permit is required for any parade, march, ceremony, exhibition, pageant or procession of any kind or similar display upon any public street: excepting funeral processions; students going to and from classes or when constituting part of their education activities and under the immediate direction and supervision of the proper school authorities: or any governmental agency within the scope of its functions.

Business License

A City of Salinas business license is required for any person or group of people doing business for profit within the City. A license is required for public dances at a public facility and for vendor selling for profit at any special event.

Temporary Use of Land Permit

Temporary Use of Land application/permit is required for events held at a place of business which varies from the original use of property (i.e. sidewalk sales, displays/sales in parking lots, etc).

City Encroachment Permit

A City encroachment permit is required for a city street closure (i.e., parades, or block party) when streets or sidewalks are to be closed for an event. This permit is approved within the Special Events permit.

State Encroachment Permit (Caltrans)

A State Encroachment permit is required when a race, parade, walk-a-thon is taking place on State Highways 68 and 183. The application for the State Encroachment permit can be obtained in the City Manager’s Office or by writing to the Caltrans Permit Office, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, Ca 93403-8144. Telephone Number 805.549.3152.

Food Vendors at Special Events

Food vendors are required to get a Health Permit from the Monterey County Health Department, 1270 Natividad Road, Salinas, Ca 93906. Telephone Number 831.755.4500.

Special Fire Inspection Permit

This permit is issued by the Fire Department and is a permit for the inspection of cooking booths, tents and air-supported structures, Christmas tree sales, public fireworks displays, public stand, candles used within assembly areas and public display booths used within a covered mall.

Public Assembly Permit

This permit is issued by the Fire Department for the inspection of organized public gatherings to ensure that requirement of the City of Salinas Code and the Uniform Fire Code are met.

Other Requirements

Insurance

Generally, general liability insurance coverage in the amount of one million dollars ($1,000,000) is required for most special events. Proof of liability coverage is required in the form of an Accord Certificate of Insurance, which also includes an endorsement naming the City of Salinas as an additional insured. A Hold Harmless form must be completed, signed and submitted with the Certificate of Insurance.

If necessary, insurance may be purchased through the City’s Special Insurance Program. Applications are available in the Risk Management Office.

The City does not need to be named as an additional insured for the Amplified Sound Permits, although proof of liability insurance is required from the equipment owner/operator.

A signed Hold Harmless agreement is also required for activities on public streets.

Alcoholic Beverages at Special Events

If an event is selling or serving alcoholic beverages, a permit from the Office of the Alcoholic Beverage Control will be required. The Office is located a 11 W Laurel Drive, Suite #203, Salinas, Ca 93901. Telephone Number 831.433.3001.

Police Services and Private Security

Some events require Police services, such as parades and festivals. The Police Department may require police services and/or private security depending on the event. A deposit for police services is required prior to the event in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the estimated total fee.

Application Review

The City’s Special Events Committee reviews all special event applications. The Committee is made up a staff from the following departments:

The Special Events Committee meets every Wednesday in the City Managers Conference Room at 10 a.m.. Applications for Amplified Sound Permits only can be submitted three (3) days prior to the event. All other applications must be submitted at least ten (10) days prior to the event.

Fee Schedule (Non-refundable)

Non-profit organizations do not pay fees for Amplified Sound or Temporary Use of Land Permits. Proof of non-profit status (501 (c) (3)) from the Internal Revenue Service or the Secretary of State Office must be submitted with the Special Events application.