A. 
A special event is defined as any organized activity to which the general public is invited onto public property which results in or requires any modification to traffic flow patterns or parking regulations, or where the expected attendance exceeds 25 people per day, or where any amplified sound or musical instruments will be used as specified in Section 9.32.020 of this code. Examples of special events include, but are not limited to, the following:
Amusement attractions
Assemblages of persons
Athletic events
Biathlons or triathlons
Bicycle races
Block parties
Carnivals
Circuses
Concerts
Conferences
Exhibitions
Exhibits
Fairs
Fireworks displays
Fundraising events
Parades
Public dances
Running events of any distance
Sidewalk sales
Surfing meets or contests
Walkathons
B. 
The location for events where movement is involved includes its assembly area, route and dispersing areas.
C. 
Special events do not include activities at parks or recreation facilities, libraries or other centers for which a specific permit process of facilities use regulations exist, such as temporary outdoor sales or displays as covered by Section 19.72.050 of this code or park use permits under Section 12.56.070 of this code. When the special event involves activity which is protected by the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution or Article I, Section 2 of the California Constitution then only the definite objective guidelines of this chapter and any other chapter of this code applicable to the special event shall apply which standards are:
1. 
The conduct of the special event will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic contiguous to its location;
2. 
The conduct of the special event will not require the diversion of so great a number of law enforcement personnel to properly police the location and the areas contiguous thereto as to prevent normal law enforcement protection to the City;
3. 
The conduct of the special event will not interfere with the movement of firefighting equipment en route to a fire or with other proper fire protection of areas contiguous to such locations;
4. 
The conduct of the special event is not reasonably likely to cause injury to persons or property, to provoke disorderly conduct or create a disturbance;
5. 
The special event where movement is involved is scheduled to move from its point of origin to its point of termination expeditiously and without unreasonable delays en route;
6. 
The special event is not to be held for the sole purpose of advertising any product, goods or event, and is not designed to be held purely for private profit.
D. 
Special events do not include sidewalk vending activities being conducted pursuant to a valid sidewalk vending permit issued under Chapter 4.64 of this code and a business license issued under Chapter 4.04 of this code.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991; Ord. 2017-1165 § 2; Ord. 2019-1183 § 7; Ord. 2022-1212 § 7; Ord. 2022-1214 § 15)
No person or entity shall organize, sponsor, promote, produce, direct, conduct, manage, institute or carry on any special event without first obtaining a permit from the City. A permit is required if the applicant desires to reserve and preempt public use of a portion of public property for a temporary period. Each permit shall state the date, time and area for which it is issued, the name of the person or persons to whom it is issued and any conditions and limitations upon which the permit is given. No person or entity shall promote, advertise, encourage or solicit attendance or otherwise participate in any way in a special event for which no permit had been issued, or for which such permit has been suspended or revoked.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991)
No person or entity shall knowingly join or participate in any special event in violation of any of the terms, conditions or regulations of the permit issued therefor, or knowingly join or participate in any special event without the consent and over the objection of the permittee, or in any manner interfere with the orderly conduct of such event.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991)
A. 
The City Manager shall develop and implement forms and guidelines for administrative review of each special event application prior to submission of the application to the City Council for consideration.
B. 
Factors to be considered in the review process by the City Manager and City Council shall be: the safety of the event, the number of events held in the same area, the value of the event to area residents and businesses, the inconvenience to area residents and businesses not participating in the event, the disruption to public transit and traffic flow, and the ability of the City to adequately staff the event.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991; Ord. 2021-1202 § 2)
A. 
Prior to the issuance of a permit, the City Manager shall require:
1. 
When necessary, an agreement to compensate the City for loss or damage to public property, the deposit of a surety bond or cash in an amount sufficient to guarantee the cleaning up of the site and removal of any debris left as a result of the holding of the event. If the applicant is to provide security, traffic control or other similar activities a surety bond or cash in an amount sufficient to guarantee such performance shall be required,
2. 
That the applicant provide public liability insurance and property damage insurance, including products liability coverage written by an insurance company acceptable by the City in minimum limits of $500,000.00,
3. 
That the applicant execute a hold harmless agreement indemnifying the City (and the San Diego Unified Port District if the event is on Port District property) for any personal injury or property damage arising from such special event;
B. 
Recommendations for the withholding of a surety bond or cash deposit for failure to perform as required shall be made to the City Manager no more than 15 days after the conclusion of the special event;
C. 
The City Manager shall submit the final refund or additional billing request to the Finance Department no more than 30 days after the conclusion of a special event;
D. 
The Administrative Services Director shall forward to the applicant an accounting of City-incurred expenses in explanation of use of deposited funds and/or additional billing requests.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991; Ord. 2012-1133 § 39)
A. 
If it is determined that the special event will warrant the presence of law enforcement personnel, fire personnel, parking control or other City staff or equipment, the City Manager shall require an agreement to compensate the City, a surety bond or cash in an amount sufficient to pay the additional costs of providing such personnel or equipment.
B. 
Departments involved in a special event shall submit staffing and equipment costs to the City Manager no more than 15 days after the conclusion of a special event.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991)
A. 
A permit for an event issued hereunder shall be suspended or revoked pending a hearing by the City Manager at any time:
1. 
When there is reasonable cause to believe that the permit was issued in error or issued in reliance on false or erroneous information;
2. 
When there is reason to believe that the health, safety and welfare of persons or property would be endangered because of real or threatened disaster, public calamity, riot or other emergency.
B. 
Notice of such suspension or revocation shall be made in writing to applicant or permittee. The suspension or revocation of the permit shall be final unless appealed to the City Council within 10 days of the date of service of the written notice. Failure to file an appeal within such 10-day period shall constitute a waiver of the right to such appeal. Such notice shall be filed with the City Clerk.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991)
The City Manager or designated representative has the authority to:
A. 
Post the approved parking control signs as approved in the special event permit. Such signs shall be posted at least 24 hours in advance of such special event and when so posted may issue citations and/or tow away vehicles parked in violation of the posting;
B. 
Close roadways as approved in the special event permit:
1. 
Signs advising the date and time of the closure shall be posted on roadways at least 10 days prior to the date of the closure,
2. 
A list of interested parties shall be established and shall include, but is not limited to: Metropolitan Transit Development Board, San Diego Gas and Electric Company and EDCO. The parties on the interested parties list shall be notified of the closure by mail at least 10 days prior to the event;
C. 
Stop a special event at any time it is determined that the public safety is in jeopardy;
D. 
Approve certain temporary signage for the purpose of providing public notice of approved events, as per Section 19.52.250 of this code.
E. 
Issue an alcohol consumption permit for a special event or facility rental at specified locations if such permit is in compliance with all applicable policies and procedures. The locations that such permits may be issued are as follows: Pier Plaza, Dunes Park, Veteran's Park, the Senior Center, and approved block parties/street closures.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991; Ord. 2017-1165 § 3; Ord. 2023-1241, 1/17/2024)
Any person violating any provision of this chapter or conditions of the permit shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable as provided in Chapter 1.12 of this code. Each such person shall be guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted.
(Ord. 834 § 2, 1991; Ord. 2017-1165 § 4)