Chapter 17.46 — SPECIAL EVENTS

The purpose and intent of this chapter is to accommodate reasonable requests for temporary special events when such events may have the potential of impacting surrounding use and are desirable for the community, promote local businesses, public peace, morals, health and safety. This chapter regulates the time, manner, location and duration of temporary special events on property, other than City property, so as to protect against:

• A. The hazards of unreasonably interfering with or impeding the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, including ingress or egress from any place of business;

• B. Possible damage or nuisance from factors including, but not limited to, noise, glare, smoke, fumes, dust, visual impact, or vibration;

• C. Possible hazard (with a potential greater than normal, or which exceeds the capabilities of local public safety units) to persons or property from explosion, contamination or fire;

• D. Possible hazard or inconvenience occasioned by unusual volume or character of vehicular traffic;

• E. Potential for the special event to create a public nuisance or be otherwise detrimental to the public health, safety, morals or welfare;

• F. Unreasonable impacts to a similar business or businesses located in the City, due to the special event being conducted on a temporary basis under this permit; and

• G. Unreasonable circumvention of designated land use and zoning requirements. (Ord. 6-01)

For the purposes of this chapter, the words listed in this section shall have the following meanings assigned to them:

"Dangerous animals" means any animal of a species which presents a threat to the safety of persons or property as determined by the Health Officer of Orange County, his or her agents or deputies.

"Special event" means an organized activity of limited duration conducted on property not owned by the City and outside the confines of the primary building on the site, which event is authorized by the owner of the property, and whether or not a Business License Tax Certificate is required to conduct such an event. Examples of special events include, but are not limited to, retail sales, community events, public concerts and performing arts, cultural/educational events, fairs, festivals, mass participation sports (marathons or bicycle races), and similar events. The regulations relating to a special event shall be applicable whether or not a fee or admission is charged for such event. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to include within the definition of a "special event" any "pancake breakfast," "bake sale," or similar event sponsored by a nonprofit organization where only food or beverages are served; provided, that the Director of Community Development shall have discretion to require the posting of a cash deposit to insure cleaning of the area in which food or beverages are served.

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City of Orange, CA

ZONING

§ 17.46.020

§ 17.46.060

(Ord. 6-01)

Special events shall only be permitted in commercial zones provided the subject property is adjacent to a primary or major arterial highway as indicated on the Circulation Element of the General Plan; at public or private elementary, junior or senior high schools, colleges, churches or other public or religious institutions, and any use located within the Public Institution zone as designated in the zoning ordinance Table 17.13.030 [9] . (Ord. 6-01; Ord. 13-18, 2018)

No person or business shall conduct a special event without having first applied for, and obtained a permit to do so as provided herein. Upon review, the Director of Community Development may determine that the proposed event is of such limited consequence that no permit is necessary. (Ord. 6-01)

Applications for permits to conduct special events shall be filed on forms furnished by the Department of Community Development at least 14 days prior to the beginning date of the event.

Applications for special events shall contain the following information:

• A. The name and address of the sponsoring business or organization;

• B. The exact location where the event is to be staged;

• C. The name and address of the operator or operators of the event to be conducted;

• D. A list of communities in California where the event has been previously conducted by the operator or operators of the proposed event;

• E. The number and types of rides, games, shows, displays, and other individual concessions comprising the event, including all food stands and food vehicles;

• F. The number of persons who will be engaged in conducting the event;

• G. A plot plan showing the entire property in addition to that portion of the property to be used to store equipment and to conduct the special event, including an exact description and plot plan describing the total extent of any off-street parking area which would be occupied for the purpose of conducting the special event and storing the equipment incident thereto;

• H. Such other information as shall be required by the Director of Community Development. (Ord. 6-01)

Before issuing a permit for a special event, the Director of Community Development shall cause an investigation to be made regarding the application and shall have the findings set forth in

9. Editor's Note: Table 17.13.030 is included as an attachment to this Title.

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City of Orange, CA § 17.46.060

ORANGE CODE

§ 17.46.080

writing and attached to the application. (Ord. 6-01)

The approval or denial of a special event permit shall be based upon all of the following factors and principles:

• A. The special event will be located, operated and maintained in conformance with the policies, objectives and elements of the City of Orange General Plan.

• B. The special event shall be conducted for a common or collective purpose, which directly or indirectly supports the community and benefits the public at large.

• C. That the characteristics of the proposed special event are compatible with those permitted in the surrounding areas, and in conformance with the provisions of the zoning ordinance.

• D. Provisions for adequate traffic circulation, parking and pedestrian safety will be provided and maintained for the duration of the approved special event.

• E. Approval of the application will not be detrimental to any person or property in the surrounding area, or to the public health, safety or general welfare and shall be in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

• (Ord. 6-01)

The following regulations shall govern the operations of any special event for which a permit has been issued by the Director of Community Development. Violation of any such regulations shall constitute a misdemeanor and be considered grounds for immediate revocation of such permit.

• A. No more than two permits for similar events shall be issued for a location within one year. For the purposes of this chapter, a commercial or business center which utilizes a shared parking lot shall be considered one location.

• B. Any special event involving dangerous animals shall be reviewed and approved by both the City and the Health Officer of Orange County, his or her agents or deputies.

• C. All local and state laws and regulations shall be complied with.

• D. The physical layout of the area set apart for the conduct of the special event, including area used for installation or storage of all equipment, shall not occupy more than 15% of the parking area designed to serve the business or shopping center is used for these purposes.

• E. Before erecting any structures, an additional application must be made to the Chief Building Official. All applicable building codes must be complied with. Permits issued by the State Division of Industrial Safety must be furnished to the Chief Building Official before the erection and operation of any ride. No rides, amusement devices or concessions shall be put into operation until inspected and approved by the Chief Building Official; provided, however, that any such inspection or approval by the City, or any employee thereof, does not guarantee that the ride, amusement device, or concession is structurally or operationally safe. Each ride shall have a sign displayed at the entrance to the ride and visible to all patrons containing the message that any person using the equipment does so

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City of Orange, CA

ZONING

§ 17.46.080

§ 17.46.110

at his/her own risk.

• F. No games shall be conducted at a special event until inspected and approved by the Police Chief. In any event, no games shall be conducted which violate any laws of the State or any other provisions of the City of Orange Municipal Code.

• G. Any and all facilities for the dispensing of food and beverages shall be inspected by the Orange County Health Department to insure compliance with all applicable food handling regulations.

• H. No trailers, tents or other temporary living quarters shall be allowed on the premises where the special event is to be conducted except upon approval of the City Council based on a finding that no hazard to public health or safety will result from such approval.

• I. No special event shall operate after 11:00 p.m. of any night.

• J. The special event shall not be operated for any period longer than nine consecutive days from the opening date specified on the permit.

• K. The Director of Community Development shall have discretion to require the posting of a cash deposit to ensure that administrative costs may be satisfied and that the premises on which this special event is being conducted will be left in a clean and orderly condition.

• (Ord. 6-01)

Prior to the erection of any structure in connection with a special event, the operator or operators of the event shall furnish certificates to the Director of Community Development showing that there is in full force and effect liability and property damage insurance, written on an occurrence basis, covering every activity of the proposed special event in a minimum amount of $500,000.00 for death and bodily injury to one person and $50,000.00 property damage, or in such additional amount as deemed necessary by the Director of Community Development. Provided, however, that maximum insurance coverage that may be required shall not exceed $5,000,000.00 for death or bodily injury and $500,000.00 property damage. (Ord. 6-01)

• A. The Planning Commission shall have the power to review any action taken by the Director of Community Development. In reviewing an application for a permit, the Planning Commission shall have the power to approve, deny or approve subject to conditions, a special event permit in accordance with the findings in this chapter.

• B. When the Director of Community Development has acted upon any application for a special event, all regulations set forth herein shall apply to such special event.

• (Ord. 6-01)

Any violation of any provision of these regulations governing special events shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 5.30.050 of the City of Orange Municipal Code, and shall be grounds for immediate revocation of such permit.

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City of Orange, CA

ORANGE CODE

§ 17.46.120

§ 17.46.110

(Ord. 6-01)

Each special event application shall be accompanied by a permit fee as identified in the Master Fee Resolution.

(Ord. 6-01)

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City of Orange, CA

Title SR

STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES

The statutory references listed below refer the code user to state statutes applicable to California cities. They are current through February 2026. (NOTE: The list of references includes references applicable to cities, generally; certain references may be applicable solely to chartered cities and others may not be applicable to chartered cities.)

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Subject Reference
Accessory dwelling units Gov’t Code § 66310 et seq.
Administrative fines and penalties Gov’t Code § 53069.4
Alternative forms of government Gov’t Code § 34851 et seq.
Authority to adopt, amend, revise or repeal Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 3 et seq.
city charters
Citations for infractions and misdemeanors Penal Code §§ 853.5 – 853.85
Classifications of cities Gov’t Code §§ 34100 – 34102
Code adoption Gov’t Code §§ 50022.1 – 50022.10
Conflict of interest code Gov’t Code § 87100 et seq.
Elections Gov’t Code §§ 34050 and 36503 and Elec.
Code §§ 1301, 9200 et seq., and 10100 et seq.
Expedited judicial review of First Code of Civ. Proc. § 1094.8
Amendment cases
False petitions Gov’t Code § 34093
General powers Gov’t Code § 37100 et seq. and Cal. Const.
Art. XI, § 7
Imprisonment Gov’t Code §§ 36901, 36903 – 36904
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.010

ORANGE CODE

§ SR.030

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Subject Reference
Initiative and referendum Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 7.5 and Elec. Code
§§ 9200 et seq., and 9235 et seq.
Judicial review of city decisions Code of Civ. Proc. § 1094.6
Ordinances Gov’t Code § 36900 et seq.
Penalties for ordinance violations Gov’t Code § 36900 et seq.
Police power Cal. Const. Art. XI, § 7
Procedure for enactment or revision of city Gov’t Code § 34450 et seq.
charters
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Subject Reference
Chief of police Gov’t Code § 41601 et seq.
City assessor Gov’t Code § 41201 et seq.
City attorney Gov’t Code § 41801 et seq.
City clerk Gov’t Code § 40801 et seq.
City manager Gov’t Code §§ 34851 – 34859
City officers generally Gov’t Code § 36501
City records Gov’t Code §§ 34090 – 34090.7
City treasurer Gov’t Code § 41001 et seq.
Election of legislative body by districts Gov’t Code § 34870 et seq.
Elective mayor Gov’t Code §§ 34900 – 34906
Fire department Gov’t Code § 38611
Legislative body Gov’t Code § 36801 et seq.
Local emergencies Gov’t Code §§ 8630 – 8634
Local planning agencies Gov’t Code § 65100 et seq.
Mayor Gov’t Code §§ 36801 – 36803 and 40601 et
seq.
Meetings (“Ralph M. Brown Act”) Gov’t Code § 54950 et seq.
Peace officer standards and training Penal Code § 13500 et seq.
Personnel system Gov’t Code § 45000 et seq.
Retirement systems Gov’t Code §§ 45300 et seq., and 53060.1
The California Emergency Services Act Gov’t Code § 8550 et seq.
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.030

STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES

§ SR.040

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Subject Reference
Bradley-Burns Bill of Rights Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7221—7226
Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Rev. & Tax. Code § 7200 et seq., and Gov’t
Tax Law Code § 37101
Chartered city special assessment procedure Gov’t Code § 43240
Claims against public entities Gov’t Code § 900 et seq.
Contracting by local agencies (“Local Agency Pub. Cont. Code § 20100 et seq.
Public Construction Act”)
Development fees Gov’t Code § 66000 et seq.
Financial powers Gov’t Code § 37200 et seq.
Fiscal year in chartered cities Gov’t Code §§ 43120 and 43122
Graffiti prevention tax Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7287—7287.10
Local agency service fees and charges Gov’t Code § 66012 et seq.
Property tax assessment, levy and collection Gov’t Code § 43000 et seq.
Public works and public purchases Gov’t Code § 4000 et seq.
Special gas tax street improvement fund Sts. & High. Code § 2113
The Documentary Transfer Tax Act Rev. & Tax. Code § 11901 et seq.
Transfer of tax function to county Gov’t Code § 51500 et seq.
Transient occupancy tax Rev. & Tax. Code §§ 7280—7283.51
Unclaimed property Civ. Code § 2080 et seq.
Uniform Public Construction Cost Pub. Cont. Code § 22000 et seq.
Accounting Act
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Subject Reference
Alcoholic beverages—Local authority Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 23790 – 23791
Authority to license businesses Gov’t Code § 37101 and Bus. & Prof. Code
§ 16000 et seq.
Automatic checkout systems Civ. Code § 7100 et seq.
Bingo Penal Code § 326.5
Charitable solicitations Bus. & Prof. Code § 17510 et seq.
Commercial filming Gov’t Code § 65850.1
Community antenna television systems Gov’t Code § 53066 et seq.
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.040

ORANGE CODE

§ SR.060

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Subject Reference
Gambling Control Act Bus. & Prof. Code § 19800 et seq.
Massage parlors Gov’t Code § 51030 et seq.
Pet Boarding facilities Health & Safety Code § 122380 et seq.
Private Investigator Act Bus. & Prof. Code § 7512 et seq.
Taxicabs and vehicles for hire Veh. Code §§ 16500 et seq., 21100(b) and
21112 and Gov’t Code § 53075 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Animals generally Food & Agric. Code § 16301 et seq.
Cruelty to animals Penal Code § 596 et seq.
Dangerous and vicious dogs Food & Agric. Code § 31601 et seq.
Dogs and dog licenses Gov’t Code § 38792 and Food & Agric. Code
§ 30501 et seq.
Rabies control Health & Safety Code § 121575 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Delinquent garbage fees Gov’t Code §§ 38790.1 and 25831
Fire prevention Health & Safety Code § 13000 et seq.
Fireworks (permits) Health & Safety Code § 12640 et seq.
Fireworks (State Fireworks Law) Health & Safety Code § 12500 et seq.
Garbage and refuse collection and disposal Pub. Res. Code § 49000 et seq., and Gov’t
Code § 38790
Graffiti abatement Gov’t Code §§ 38772 and 53069.3
Hospitals Gov’t Code § 37600 et seq.
Littering Penal Code § 374 et seq.
Local control of cannabis Bus. & Prof. Code § 26200 et seq.
Medical cannabis ordinances Health & Safety Code § 11362.83
Military equipment Gov’t Code § 7070 et seq.
Noise control Health & Safety Code § 46000 et seq. and
Gov’t Code § 65302(f)
Nuisance abatement Gov’t Code § 38771 et seq., and Penal Code
§§ 370, 372 and 373a
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.060

STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES

§ SR.080

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Subject Reference
Oil and Gas, Health Protection Zones Pub. Res. Code § 3280 et seq.
Single-user restrooms Health & Safety Code § 118600
Weed and rubbish abatement Gov’t Code § 39501 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Crimes against property Penal Code § 450 et seq.
Crimes against public health and safety Penal Code § 369a et seq.
Crimes against public justice Penal Code § 92 et seq.
Crimes against the person Penal Code § 187 et seq.
Crimes against the public peace Penal Code § 403 et seq.
Crimes involving sexual assault and against Penal Code § 261 et seq.
public decency
Criminal storage of firearms Penal Code25100 et seq.
Minors Penal Code §§ 853.6a, 858(b); Welf. & Inst.
Code Div. 2 § 100 et seq., 742.10 et seq.
(graffiti)
Weapons Penal Code §§ 12001 et seq., 16000 et seq.,
17500 et seq., and 19910 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Autonomous vehicles Veh. Code §§ 38750—38755
Bicycles, electric bicycles, pedicabs Veh. Code § 231 et seq., 21100(h), 21206 and
(definitions) 39000 et seq.
Bicycles Veh. Code §§ 21100 et seq., 21200 et seq.,
and 39000 et seq.
Curb markings Veh. Code § 21458
Establishment of crosswalks Veh. Code § 21106
Local traffic rules and regulations Veh. Code § 21100 et seq.
One-way street designations Veh. Code § 21657
Pedestrian rights and duties Veh. Code § 21949 et seq.
Penalties Veh. Code § 40000.1 et seq.
Speed limits Veh. Code § 22348 et seq.
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.080

ORANGE CODE

§ SR.110

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Subject Reference
Stopping, standing, and parking Veh. Code § 22500 et seq.
Through highways Veh. Code §§ 21101(b), 21353 and 21354
Traffic control devices Veh. Code § 21350 et seq.
Traffic signs, signals and markings Veh. Code § 21350 et seq.
Turning movements Veh. Code § 22100 et seq.
Vehicle weight limits Veh. Code § 35700 et seq.
Violations Veh. Code § 40000.1 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Advertising displays; signs Gov’t Code §§ 38774 and 65850(b); Bus. &
Prof. Code § 5200 et seq.
Constructions of sidewalks and curbs Sts. & High. Code § 5870 et seq.
Improvement Act of 1911 Sts. & High. Code § 5000 et seq.
Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 Sts. & High. Code § 22500 et seq.
Municipal parks Pub. Res. Code § 5181 et seq.
Obstructions and encroachments of public Gov’t Code § 38775
ways
Tree Planting Act of 1931 Sts. & High. Code § 22000 et seq.
Underground utility districts Sts. & High. Code § 5896.1 et seq. and Gov’t
Code § 38793
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Subject Reference
Connection fees Gov’t Code § 66013
Inventory of known lead user service line Health & Safety Code § 116885
Municipal sewers Gov’t Code § 38900 et seq., and Health &
Safety Code § 5470 et seq.
Municipal water systems Gov’t Code § 38730 et seq.
Water wells Water Code § 13700 et seq.
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.110

STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES

§ SR.140

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Subject Reference
Adoption of construction codes Health & Safety Code §§ 17922, 17958 and
17958.5
Authority to regulate buildings and Gov’t Code §§ 38601(b) and 38660
construction
Inspection warrants Code of Civ. Proc. § 1822.50 et seq.
Manufactured housing and mobilehomes Health & Safety Code §§ 18000 et seq.,
18200 et seq.
Signs Gov’t Code §§ 38774 and 65850(b); and Bus.
& Prof. Code § 5200 et seq.
State Housing Law Health & Safety Code § 17910 et seq.
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Subject Reference
Subdivision Map Act Gov’t Code § 66410 et seq.
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§ SR.130. Zoning.

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Subject Reference
Family day care homes Health & Safety Code § 1597.30 et seq.
Local authority to regulate land use Gov’t Code § 65850
Local planning generally (“Planning and Gov’t Code § 65000 et seq.
Zoning Law”)
Local zoning administration Gov’t Code § 65900 et seq.
Open-space zoning Gov’t Code § 65910 et seq.
Zoning fees and charges Gov’t Code § 66014
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Subject Reference
Drought tolerant landscaping Gov’t Code § 53087.7
Online resource center—Municipal Water Code § 13383.9
stormwater permit compliance
Short-lived climate pollutants Health & Safety Code § 39730.5 et seq., and
Pub. Res. Code § 42652 et seq.
The California Environmental Quality Act Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.
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City of Orange, CA

§ SR.140

ORANGE CODE

§ SR.140

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Subject Reference
The California Noise Control Act of 1973 Health & Safety Code § 46000 et seq., and
Gov’t Code § 65302(f)
Wildfire mitigation (electric utilities and Pub. Util. Code § 8387
electrical cooperatives)
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City of Orange, CA