Special Event Permits

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The City of Fairfield has a rich history of community-based special events and entertainment. We thank you for your interest in planning a successful and safe event. Events are an important way to build community and celebrate the diversity, heritage, and uniqueness of Fairfield. If you are looking to hold an event in Fairfield, you may need a Special Event Permit; depending on the nature of your event, you may need to obtain additional permits or approvals to ensure a well-planned and safe event. Please read through our frequently asked questions to see if your event needs a special event permit.

**If your proposed event will be at a City-owned park or facility, first contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (707) 399-1997 to see if the park or facility is available for reservation for your specified event date**

How to Apply for a Special Event:

Complete the Special Event Permit Application and read through all the requirements listed in the application form and the Application Requirement and Supplemental form.
Check that you have all the required submittal materials for your event.
Bring the required submittal materials to the Community Development Department on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 1000 Webster Street, Fairfield, CA or email all the application materials to planning@fairfield.ca.gov. Payment for the associated application fee will be due at the time of application.
Review time will take between 2-4 weeks upon receipt of a complete application.
If your application is approved, you will receive a signed approval letter from City staff. The letter will have additional information for your event as well as conditions that shall be fulfilled prior to the event start date.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a Special Event?
- A Special Event is defined in Chapter 12A of the Fairfield Municipal Code as:
  - a. Any organized formation, Parade, procession, demonstration, or assembly which is to assemble or travel in unison on any street, sidewalk, or other public Right-of-way owned or controlled by the City, which obstructs, delays, or interferes with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or which does not comply with applicable traffic regulations, laws or controls, including an Athletic Event or a Block Party; or
  - b. Any organized assemblage of 75 or more persons at any public place, property or facility which is to gather for a common purpose under the direction or control of a person or Organization; or
  - c. Any Carnival, Concert, Dance, Fair or other event open to the public likely to require traffic and crowd control, involving 75 or more persons that occurs on private property, including private off-street parking lots and private facilities, but not at private residences.
- "Minor" Special Events are any Special Event with at least 75, but less than 350 attendees present at any time, without furnishing or selling alcoholic beverages
- "Major" Special Events are any Special Events that have more than 350 attendees present at any time, whether or not alcohol will be furnished or sold or that have more than 75 attendees present at any time and alcoholic beverages will be furnished or sold.

What should I include in my Special Event Permit application package?
- A complete and signed Special Event Permit
- A Site Plan for the event
- The application fee
- Any other application materials required for your event, as outlined in the Application Requirement and Supplemental Information document provided on this page

When do I have to submit a Special Event Permit application?
- To allow for sufficient City review, applications for Minor Special Events must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the event start date and applications for Major Special Events must be submitted at least 90 days prior to the event start date.

What are the fees associated with a Special Event application?
- The application fees for a Special Event for 2023 are as follows:
  - $54 for a Block Party
  - $430 for a Minor Event
  - $716 for a Major Event
- Additional fees from other departments are not included in the application fee and are subject to event scope and review determination

Have specific questions? Feel free to contact the Planning Division by phone at (707) 428-7461 or by email at planning@fairfield.ca.gov and we will assist you with your inquiry.