Special Events & Permits in Santa Cruz County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Santa Cruz County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
A block party in the unincorporated 'County beaches area' of Santa Cruz County needs a permit before it happens. Santa Cruz County Code § 10.20.020(C) expressly defines 'block parties' as a type of 'special event,' and § 10.20.030 makes it unlawful to sponsor, conduct, promote or maintain one there without first getting a permit from the Director of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services.
Santa Cruz County Beach Block Party Permit
Significant RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code §§ 10.20.020(C), 10.20.030
'Special event,' as used in this chapter, shall mean any activity that: (1) May be reasonably expected to attract more than 200 persons at one time; and (2) Impacts public places, areas or facilities including roads, beaches, paths or parks, and is inconsistent with daily routine operations and activities; and (3) The scope and size of the activity do not typically occur in the area proposed fo...
Park Event Permits
Reserving a Santa Cruz County park facility, building or grounds for a private event runs through Santa Cruz County Code § 10.04.040(C). The Board of Supervisors sets a fee schedule and permit rules for the Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services Department, the Director can turn down an application that's incomplete or that threatens public health, safety or welfare, and once fees and rules are adopted it's unlawful to use a park without paying or complying with them.
Santa Cruz County Park Facility Permits
Significant RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 10.04.040(C)-(D)
The Board of Supervisors may adopt a schedule of fees for the use of parks and it shall adopt rules and regulations for the granting of permits issued by the Department pursuant to this chapter. The Director may deny a permit on the basis that the application does not meet the requirements of the rules and regulations or upon finding that the proposed use is detrimental to the public health, sa...
Street Fair Rules
A street-fair-style festival on private land in unincorporated Santa Cruz County runs through the community events and fundraisers rule at Santa Cruz County Code § 13.10.614, not a beach-specific permit. One festival a year without amplified music only needs a zoning clearance, but two events, or any event with amplified music, requires a conditional use permit good for five years under Chapter 18.10.
Santa Cruz County Street Fair Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 13.10.614(A), (C)
(A) Purpose. Recognizing that not-for-profit community events of a civic, political, public, or educational nature, such as community dinners, festivals, and other public gatherings, enrich public life ... this section establishes permit requirements and standards to allow for the use of private parcels in the residential and agricultural zone districts for community events and fundraisers ... ...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Restaurants and cafes in unincorporated Santa Cruz County need a discretionary permit before adding outdoor seating: a Minor Use Permit for 12 or fewer seats, or an Administrative Use Permit for more than 12, under SCCC § 13.10.332(E)(3). Conditions cover ADA access, replacement parking and sign-off from agencies from Public Works to ABC.
Santa Cruz County Outdoor Dining Permits
Some RestrictionsSanta Cruz County Code § 13.10.332(E)(3)
Outdoor Dining/Seating. Permanent (long-term) outdoor seating is allowed subject to an MUP to add 12 or fewer seats or an AUP to add more than 12 seats. Outdoor seating includes outdoor dining as well as other uses such as seating in common plaza areas, or outdoor exercise equipment for a fitness facility. Conditions of approval for outdoor seating must ensure public health and safety, includin...
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