City of irvine
Special Event Permit
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Special events are events that are outside the normal operations of an area, which may temporarily affect that general area with road closures, structures, amplified noise, animal expos, food and alcohol service and other services that would not normally be in place. Some examples of special events include carnivals, parades, festivals, car races, marathons, bike rides and 5K/10K races. These types of events, depending on the types of amenities/services provided, would require approvals through various City Departments as well as outside agencies. (I.E. Temporary Structures would require approvals through Building and Safety as well as the Orange County Fire Authority; food service would require approvals through the Orange County Health Care Agency, etc.)
*For questions regarding the application process, please contact Facility Reservations at 949-724-6620 or reservations@cityofirvine.org.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND FEES
For a minor special event, which would be an event consisting of less than 1,500 people and impact multiple departments, you are required to submit a special event permit application no less than 30 days prior to the event.
For a major special event, which would be an event consisting of more than 1,500 people and impact multiple departments, you are required to submit a special event permit application no less than 6 months prior to the event.
*The Irvine Municipal Code defines a "special event" as any temporary event not exceeding 30 days (except Christmas tree sales, which may endure for a period not to exceed 45 days), whether indoors or outdoors, or on improved or unimproved property, which is inconsistent with either the zone in which the subject property is located, the uses to which the property may legally be put, or the occupancy levels permitted thereon. "Special events" shall also refer to any activity that may result in the closure of any public streets, or any activities, which may temporarily require the installation of materials or devices using building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, flammable or similar materials. "Special events" may include, but are not limited to, certain outdoor, short-term events such as walkathons, marathon runs, cycling events, and sporting events, or any combination thereof.
Application processing fees will be as follows:
- Non-Profit Organizations: $150
- All Others: $300
- Expedited Application Fee: $500
Note: These fees are effective as of July 1, 2023, and are subject to change.
Please note that additional fees may apply to a Special Event Permit application. These may include, but are not limited to, required permits, inspections, and business licensing, depending on the scope and nature of the event.
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