HomeMy WebLinkAboutSpecial Event Related PermitsCity of Palm Desert Special Event Guidelines
City of Palm Desert
Special Event Guidelines
Special Event Related Permits (continued)
Tent, Canopy, Membrane Structures, Bleachers, Platforms and Stages
Permit
All tent and membrane structures having an area in excess of 400 square feet
(19m2) in area must be approved and reviewed by the City of Palm Desert
Building & Safety Department in compliance with the 2016 California Building
Code and California Fire Code.
Food Permits
Food vendors must comply with all health laws, ordinances, and regulations of the
county of Riverside pertaining to public health and sanitation. For specific details,
contact the local Riverside County Dept. of Environmental health at 760 .863.8287.
Business License
All businesses located within the City limits are required to have a valid business license
from the City of Palm Desert. Businesses located outside the City of Palm Desert who
conduct business activity within the city limits are also required to have a valid business
license, this includes vendors who are a part of special event. Vendors for special
events who currently do not have a business license with the City can apply for a one
day business license for just $29.
Temporary Use Permit
Temporary use permits (TUP) allows for short-term activities that may be appropriate
when regulated. The temporary use permit process is covered under article 25.64 of the
Palm Desert Municipal Code. The normal review time for these requests is one to three
days.
A Temporary Use Permit may only be granted for the following:
Sales of art work
Christmas tree sales
Carnivals, circuses, special events of not more than 72 consecutive hours
Parking and storage of earth moving or construction equipment
Storage of materials incidental to the carrying on of a public works project,
subdivision, or construction project
Real estate tract sales office
Construction - garage or shed for subdivision construction
Model homes, model home sales offices
City of Palm Desert Special Event Guidelines
City of Palm Desert
Special Event Guidelines
Special Event Related Permits
There are a number of different special event related permits that may be issued
independent of a Citywide Special Event Permit or may be required in conjunction with
a Citywide Special Event Permit. The proposed event venue, activities, components,
attendance, and unique circumstances of the event are contributing factors to the final
determination of the required permit types.
Following is a summary of the most common permits types you may be required to
obtain if you are planning a special event or an a ctivity associated with a special event:
Alcohol Use Permit
If you plan to have alcohol at your event, you must receive authorization from the Palm
Desert Sheriff Department and the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage
Control (ABC). If the proposed event will take place on public land; within a city-owned
facility; or other city-managed property, you will also be required to have the City
Manager of Palm Desert sign off on the application. The State of California Department
of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) may place restrictions on the way in which alcohol
is managed at your proposed event. More information is available at www.abc.ca.gov or
the local Palm Desert ABC office at 760.324.2027. It is your responsibility to obtain the
appropriate license from the State of California Department of Alcohol Beverage
Control.
Firework/Pyrotechnic/Special Effect/Laser Permit
All activities associated with the use of pyrotechnics and open flames must be reviewed
and approved by the Riverside County Fire Department. Examples of activities in this
category include outdoor fireworks, lasers, model rocket launches, open flame activities
such as fire walking and special effects using pyrotechnical devices. As part of the
permit requirements, onsite stand-by and inspection services may be required due to
the size, complexity and/or unique safety issues regarding the activities associated with
the proposed event.
Building Permit
If your event includes the introduction of portable structures, pre-fabricated structures or
site built structures such as bleachers, elevated platforms, temporary pedestrian
bridges, tent structures, etc. you will be required to obtain a building permit from the City
of Palm Desert Building & Safety Department.
City of Palm Desert Special Event Guidelines
Encroachment Permit
Any construction or demolition occurring in the City of Palm Desert that involves work
within the public right-of-way requires an Encroachment Permit prior to beginning the
work. Along with your permit application you must submit an approved traffic control
plan. Encroachment Permit applications can be downloaded from the Resources
section to the right, and are available upon walk-in to the Public Works Department
located at the Palm Desert City Hall. Please allow 48 hours for approval of your
application for an encroachment permit.