Community Event Permits

community event

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ABOUT COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Community Events can be defined as public events occurring in unincorporated San Diego County - sponsored by a California-recognized nonprofit or governmental organization, and lasting 4 or more hours and up to 4 consecutive days. They require a permit called a Community Event Permit (CEP). 

A CEP is a written approval from the County of San Diego to operate a community event. The Department of Environmental Health and Quality (DEHQ) serves as the coordinator for all such permits, coordinating with other County agencies to ensure a seamless application and approval process.

  • If an event is less than 4 hours, it doesn’t qualify for a CEP,  however, other permits may be required.
  • Non-profit organizations are entitled to conduct a maximum of 6 community events within a 12-month period. 

The CEP organizer must submit a completed application to DEHQ no less than 30 days or more than one 1 year prior to the event. For more information, contact the CEP Coordinator at (858) 694-3614 or DEHCommunityEvents@sdcounty.ca.gov.  

RESOURCES:

PLANNING TIPS:

  • If the event includes the sale of alcohol, the sponsor must submit the Alcoholic and Beverage Control (ABC) Daily License Application and Supplemental Diagram 30 days before the event date.  
  • If the event will have activities involving guests under the age of 18 like carnivals, kids’ games, face painting, haircuts, bounce houses, dunk tanks, pony rides, pictures with Santa/the Easter Bunny/Princesses and other costumed individuals, additional approvals will need to be obtained from the Sheriff’s License and Registration Division prior to the CEP permit being issued.
  • Food vendors operating at these events must obtain a separate Temporary Food Facility permit for each event. 

COMPLETING AN ELECTRONIC CEP APPLICATION:

Per SDCC Sec. 21.203: An application must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the first day of the proposed event to allow adequate time for processing and review. Failure to provide a complete application package on time may prevent a Community Event Permit from being issued.

CEP Applications are available online to download, complete, and submit via e-mail or fax. E-mailing your application allows for faster routing and may expedite the processing of your permit. The email address is DEHCommunityEvents@sdcounty.ca.gov.

If you need to fax your application, send forms to (858) 999-8920, Attn:  CEP Coordinator. 

Important points to remember when completing an online application:

  • Make sure you have Adobe Acrobat or a program that can open pdf files. 
  • Open the Community Event Permit (CEP) Application. Download/Save the file, reopen it, complete, and save.
  • Once complete, email it to DEHCommunityEvents@sdcounty.ca.gov or fax it to (858) 999-8920 – Attn: CEP Coordinator.
  • Use the Application Checklist to ensure you've submitted everything you need for your event and application package.
  • The CEP Coordinator will contact you to discuss any additional requirements. 
  • IMPORTANT: Changes to your application after your initial submittal may lead to a delay in or the denial of your permit. Please plan accordingly. 

SUPPLEMENTAL FORMS:

  • Form A – Required if your event will have FOOD.
  • Form B – Required if your event will have NON-FOOD-related MERCHANDISE VENDORS, FIREWORKS or you will be HIRING SECURITY. 
  • Form C – Required if your event has a BIKE RIDE.
  • Form D – Required if your event has ROAD CLOSURES (i.e., Parade or Race).
  • Form E – Required if your event attendance is expected to be 2,000+ people per day.
  • Form E 1 – Required if your event attendance is expected to be 2,000+ people per day to be submitted to Recycle@sdcounty.ca.gov within 30 days of the event taking place.
  • Temporary Event Food VENDOR Application – Submit form if participating food vendor(s) or event organizer will be providing food at the event, either “free of charge” or “for sale”. 

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM SUPPORT:

EMAIL

DEHCommunityEvents@sdcounty.ca.gov

FAX

ATTN: CEP COORDINATOR
(858) 999-8920