It is the purpose of the city to establish a process for permitting special events that impact city right-of-way, public property, other facilities, safety, and/or services. It is vital to the public health, safety, and welfare of the city to monitor, track, and assist with these events to mitigate traffic conflicts, monitor commerce, and promote tourism in the city. It is recognized that these special events enhance the Yucaipa lifestyle and provide benefits to the citizens through the creation of venues for programs, services and entertainment that are not normally provided as a part of governmental services. Notwithstanding any provision of the Yucaipa Municipal Code, this code authorizes special events which would otherwise be prohibited by city ordinance.
By recognizing special event venues, it is further intended to supplement land use and street right-of-way regulations, to provide a coordinated process for the regulation of certain activities to be conducted in conjunction with special events and to ensure the health and safety of patrons, residents, and other visitors of special events. It is further intended to create a cost recovery without having an adverse effect on those events that contribute to the community.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
"Carnival"
means the exhibiting or conducting of a traveling show or of entertainment open to the public, including any caravan, museum, menagerie, animal collection, circus, sideshow, burlesque show, rodeo, carnival, animal exhibition, feats of horsemanship, acrobatic performance, "wild west" show, or any other show or entertainment similar in character.
"Community celebration"
means those public affairs sponsored by chambers of commerce or community service groups for the promotion of community spirit by public parades, carnivals and other outdoor activities.
"Outdoor festival"
means any music festival, dance festival, rock festival, or similar musical activity or gathering where live or prerecorded entertainment is presented to the public at facilities without specific site approval for such activity.
"Site approval"
means a land use whose activities have been approved as to location, design and scope subject to conditions established under authority of the city code.
"Special event"
means any temporary, organized activity sponsored by an event organizer and will result in people congregating at the event location for a particular and limited purpose and time, and meets any one or more of the following criteria:
A. 
City property, city parks and city rights-of-way. The activity will be conducted in whole or in part on a city-owned or controlled property, city park or facility or city rights-of-way, and the director of community services, or designee, determines that the activity requires a special event permit because:
1. 
The activity is likely to obstruct, delay or interfere with the free and normal use of public rights-of-way or other public property of the city within the vicinity of the event; or
2. 
The activity is likely to result in the need for the city to provide extraordinary services in response to or arising out of the special event. Criteria to be considered include, by way of example and not limitation, available parking capacity, likely pedestrian and vehicular routes, availability of public transportation, the number of days and hours of operation, the number of people anticipated to attend, the capacity and safety of the permanent and temporary structures, the proximity and availability of health and sanitation services, the proximity and availability of emergency services, the activity(ies) to be engaged in, the historical impacts of the proposed or comparable special events, if known, upon use of public rights-of-way and public property and public services including police and fire, and other considerations deemed appropriate.
B. 
Private property. The activity will be conducted as a whole or in part on private property and the director of development services, or designee, determines that the activity requires a special event permit because:
1. 
The activity is likely to obstruct, delay or interfere with the free and normal use of public rights-of-way or other public property of the city within the vicinity of the event. It is presumed that any event on private property which involves an open invitation to the public to attend or events where the attendance is by private invitation of one hundred (100) or more people are each presumed to be an event that will have a direct significant impact on the public streets or rights-of-way; or
2. 
The activity is likely to result in the need for the city to provide extraordinary services in response to or arising out of the special event.
C. 
Sales not already permitted. The activity will involve the sale of merchandise, food or beverages where not already permitted by city code, whether by for profit or nonprofit organizations.
D. 
Public disturbance noise. The activity will include use of sound amplification, public address, loudspeaker, audio, video, or television systems or other devices likely to result in public disturbance noise in violation of YMC Section 811.0305 as now or hereafter amended. "Special event permit" means a permit issued under this chapter.
"Special event venue"
means that area for which a special event permit has been issued.
"Tax-exempt nonprofit organization"
means an organization that is exempted from payment of income taxes by federal or state law and has been in existence for a minimum of six months preceding the date of application for a special event permit.
"Vendor"
means any person who sells or offers to sell any goods, food, or beverages within a special event venue.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
A special event permit is required when the following criteria has been met:
A. 
Estimated attendance of three hundred (300) or greater; or
B. 
Amplified sound; or
C. 
Street closures; or
D. 
Alcohol is provided or sold on public property or public right-of-way, or if served on private property but within a special event venue that encompasses public right-of-way (e.g., closed street, alley or sidewalk) excluding the Community Center, Scherer Community Center and the Yucaipa Performing Arts Center.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
It is unlawful for any person to hold or conduct any special event in the city, or to use private property, any street, right-of-way, or other public place in the city for any purpose unless such person has obtained and has in full force and effect a permit to do so issued by the city.
The following special events shall be exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit under this chapter; provided, that the special event shall be conducted in accordance with all laws and regulations governing public safety or health:
A. 
Funeral processions. Funeral processions by a licensed mortuary or funeral home;
B. 
Wedding processions. Wedding processions conducted on public rights-of-way wherein applicable traffic regulations, laws or controls are complied with;
C. 
School, church and governmental events. Any special events held or conducted by or on behalf of a public or private school, college or school district, the state of California or other governmental entity or any church that is legally operated in the city, so long as the activity or event is conducted on property owned, used, or leased by the entity or its sponsor and is for the benefit of the entity that owns, uses, or leased the property on which the activity takes place;
D. 
Expressive activities on sidewalks. Rallies, marches, demonstrations and picketing which take place on public sidewalks crossing streets only at pedestrian crosswalks in accordance with traffic regulations and controls and laws applicable to use of public sidewalks;
E. 
Special event facilities. Events conducted at a facility designed for the special event purpose or upon facilities where such events are normally held, such as churches, events/convention centers, schools, athletic fields, auditoriums, stadiums, and theaters;
F. 
Regularly scheduled athletic events. Regularly scheduled outdoor athletic events conducted on property where such events are normally held;
G. 
Outdoor demonstrations on public property. Demonstrations on publicly owned property (other than public rights-of-way), unless:
1. 
The activity is likely to obstruct, delay or interfere with the free and normal use of such public property or the public rights-of-way; or
2. 
The activity is likely to result in the need for the city to provide extraordinary services in response to or arising out of the special event.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
Issuance of a special event permit pursuant to this chapter does not obligate or require the city of Yucaipa to provide city services, equipment, funding or personnel in support of a special event.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
Any person desiring to apply for a special event permit shall do so by filing a written application with the community services department not fewer than ninety (90) days prior to the proposed event and no earlier than three hundred sixty-five (365) days prior to the event. The application shall be made on forms provided by the city and shall be accompanied by the following:
A. 
A nonrefundable application fee listed in the community services user fee schedule established by resolution of the city council. The application fee must be submitted when the applicant or sponsor files the application. Other costs for city services shall be invoiced to the applicant no later than ten (10) calendar days after the expiration date of the permit. The applicant shall pay said costs within thirty (30) calendar days of invoice or late fees shall apply.
B. 
The applicant may request a waiver of the application fee. Such request shall require a community activity grant application, found on Yucaipa.gov or at the city clerk's office. Requests for fee waiver through the community activity grant process will be reviewed by the city council at a regular scheduled city council meeting.
C. 
Certificate of liability insurance. Insurance shall be provided in the coverages and amounts as determined by the City Manager or their designee.
D. 
Applicants who intend to have food vendors must provide a copy of the County of San Bernardino Department of Environmental Health temporary food facility permit.
E. 
Applicants who intend to provide or sell alcohol on public property or public right-of-way, or if served on private property but within a special event location that encompasses public right-of-way (e.g., closed street, alley or sidewalk), the event organizer shall comply with the following conditions:
1. 
Obtain and comply with the applicable liquor license or permit issued by the State of California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and provide such license or permit to the city;
2. 
Service must end by 10:00 p.m., but may be extended by the City Council to no later than 12:00 a.m. upon a finding that the extension (i) will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare and (ii) is compatible with surrounding land uses, considering the event location and the proximity of residential uses;
3. 
Liquor liability must be included on insurance coverage;
4. 
Trained volunteers or paid security personnel must be posted at every entrance/exit point to ensure that no person under the age of twenty-one (21) will be allowed into the alcohol service area; and
5. 
No outside alcohol may be brought into an alcohol service area, and no alcohol may be removed.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
A. 
Departmental review. Upon receipt of a completed special event permit application, the city shall refer the application to the chief of police, director of development services, director of community services, assistant city manager, and the fire chief for review. Each department shall evaluate the application for compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and public safety standards, and shall forward its comments and conditions to the Community Services Department within ten (10) working days.
B. 
Standard conditions of approval. The following standard conditions of approval shall apply to special events, unless explicitly waived in writing by the city manager or their designee based on documented findings:
1. 
Parking and traffic control.
a. 
A parking and traffic control plan shall be submitted for all events expecting three hundred (300) or more attendees, or for any event requiring road closures.
b. 
The plan shall include vehicle ingress/egress routes, pedestrian flow, loading/unloading zones, ADA-accessible parking, signage placement, and shuttle operations if applicable.
c. 
The applicant shall provide all necessary traffic control devices, including barricades, cones, signage, and uniformed personnel at designated control points.
2. 
Restroom facilities.
a. 
Portable restrooms shall be provided for all outdoor events without sufficient access to permanent facilities.
b. 
At minimum, one restroom per one hundred (100) anticipated attendees shall be provided, with at least five percent (5%) being ADA-compliant.
3. 
Amplified sound and noise control.
a. 
Amplified sound shall be limited to the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Amplified sound may be extended by the city council to no later than 12:00 a.m. upon a finding that the extension (i) will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare and (ii) is compatible with surrounding land uses, considering the event location and the proximity of residential uses;
b. 
Noise levels shall be consistent with the provisions of Section 87.0905 of this Code.
c. 
Sound equipment must be oriented to minimize impact on adjacent residential areas.
4. 
Emergency medical services (EMS).
a. 
Events with more than four thousand (4,000) attendees, or involving high-risk activities, shall provide certified EMS personnel on-site.
b. 
A clearly marked and publicly accessible first aid station shall be maintained throughout the event.
5. 
Police and security services.
a. 
Police personnel shall be provided at the discretion of the chief of police.
b. 
Security personnel shall be provided at a minimum ratio of one (1) per three hundred (300) attendees.
c. 
Events involving alcohol, street closures, or that occur after 8:00 p.m. shall require licensed security staff.
d. 
A security plan must be submitted for approval prior to permit issuance.
e. 
The police chief may at any time require additional security if the nature of the event, time of day, alcohol service, etc., pose elevated risks.
6. 
Alcohol service.
a. 
A valid Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license or permit must be submitted before the event.
b. 
Service must end by 10:00 p.m., but may be extended by the city council to no later than 12:00 a.m. upon a finding that the extension (i) will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare and (ii) is compatible with surrounding land uses, considering the event location and the proximity of residential uses;
c. 
Alcohol service areas shall be enclosed and monitored to ensure compliance with age restrictions and prevent unauthorized alcohol transport.
7. 
Waste management and site clean-up.
a. 
Trash and recycling receptacles shall be provided at a minimum of one per one hundred (100) attendees.
b. 
The event area shall be kept clean throughout and returned to pre-event conditions within twelve (12) hours after the event.
c. 
Noncompliance may result in full cleanup cost recovery and the requirement of a refundable deposit for future events.
8. 
Fire safety and emergency access.
a. 
Tents, canopies, and stages exceeding four hundred (400) square feet shall be permitted and inspected by the fire department.
b. 
A twenty (20) foot-wide fire lane shall be maintained at all times.
c. 
Electrical installations must comply with applicable codes and be installed by a licensed professional.
d. 
Access to fire hydrants and emergency exits shall remain unobstructed.
9. 
Accessibility.
a. 
Events open to the public shall comply with all ADA accessibility standards, including parking, restrooms, paths of travel, and seating.
10. 
Signage and notification.
a. 
All temporary signage must comply with the municipal code and be removed within twenty-four (24) hours following the event.
b. 
For events involving more than three hundred (300) attendees or street closures, the applicant shall notify surrounding property owners and tenants in writing at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the event.
11. 
Hours of operation.
a. 
Events shall begin no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and end no later than 12:00 a.m.
b. 
Load-in and load-out activities must not occur before 6:00 a.m. or after 12:00 a.m.
C. 
City council review required. The city council shall review and approve or deny all special event permits for events that meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. 
An estimated attendance exceeding one thousand (1,000) persons;
2. 
A request for full or partial street closures;
3. 
A request for city co-sponsorship, financial support, or use of city resources beyond those recovered through cost recovery mechanisms. Such request shall require a community activity grant application, found on Yucaipa.gov or at the city clerk's office.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
A. 
The city manager, or designee, shall endeavor to take final action upon a completed application for a special event permit within thirty (30) working days of receipt of the completed application.
B. 
The city manager, or designee, is not required to take final action upon any special event permit application prior to three hundred sixty-five (365) calendar days before the special event.
C. 
The city manager, or designee, is not required to take final action on an incomplete or untimely special event permit application.
D. 
Final action on a completed special event permit application shall consist of one of the following:
1. 
Issuance of a special event permit in accordance with the terms of the application; or
2. 
Issuance of a special event permit by the city manager, or designee, with such conditions as deemed necessary for the application to meet all of the criteria set forth above; or
3. 
Denial of the special event permit application by the city manager, or designee.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
A. 
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, or when a fee waiver has been approved through the community activity grant process, for any special event, the city may impose a fee for expected departmental service charges. Factors that the city will consider in evaluating whether to impose a fee are:
1. 
The extent of use of public property or right-of-way;
2. 
The extent of use of city services, facilities or affected entities;
3. 
The extent of use of city personnel, including police and fire;
4. 
Whether the city is sponsoring or co-sponsoring the event.
B. 
The city shall require payment of the expected departmental service charges imposed pursuant to subsection A of this section, at the time the completed application is approved and prior to the issuance of the special event permit, unless the city determines there is good cause and extends time for payment.
C. 
If the event organizer fails to clean the special event venue or route of the special event both during and upon completion of the special event and to return the area or route to the same condition of material preservation and cleanliness as existed prior to the special event, the event organizer will be billed for actual city costs for cleanup and repair of the area or route occasioned by the special event. If the event organizer failed to comply with such requirements under a previously issued special event permit, the city may require the event organizer to deposit adequate surety in the form of cash.
D. 
The applicant will be billed for any city departmental charges in excess of the estimate in subsection B of this section, including any billing and collection costs incurred.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
A. 
The issuance of a special event permit confers upon the permit holder or event organizer the right to control the sale of goods, food, and beverages within the special event venue in accordance with the terms and conditions of the special event permit. The permit holder may grant no greater rights or privileges to vendors than the rights or privileges granted to the permit holder pursuant to the special event permit.
B. 
Vendors authorized to sell food must obtain and display a San Bernardino County health permit.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
The issuance of a special event permit does not relieve any person from the obligation to obtain any other permit or license required pursuant to the City of Yucaipa Municipal Code or any other applicable law.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)
Whenever a special event is conducted without a special event permit, when one is required, or a special event is conducted in violation of the terms of an issued special event permit, the event organizer shall be responsible for, and the city shall charge the event organizer for, all city costs incurred, caused or necessitated by the adverse impacts of the special event or the violation of the special event permit upon public safety.
(Ord. 394 § 1, 2020; Ord. 460 § 1 (part), 2025)