Santa Cruz County, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

20, the 'Beach Area Special Events Ordinance,' was adopted in 1988 (Ord. 3898) because the Board of Supervisors found that assembling large numbers of people on County beaches may create problems seriously affecting the public safety, health and welfare. 020(A) as the strip bounded by the Pajaro River to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, the first public road paralleling the ocean to the east, and the San Mateo County line to the north, expressly excluding the incorporated cities of Santa Cruz and Capitola.

020(C) defines a 'special event' as an activity expected to draw more than 200 people, that impacts public roads, beaches, paths or parks in a way inconsistent with daily routine use, and that isn't typical in size or scope for the area, expressly including concerts, block parties, other large parties, festivals, carnivals, races and circuses. 050 requires the application at least 45 days ahead, with a nonrefundable fee, describing anticipated security, crowd control, sanitation, medical, traffic, parking and overflow needs; the Director of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services (POSCS) may waive the 45-day window for a $100 special handling fee if at least 30 days remain. 075). 095). 040 exempts events confined to the sponsor's own property that don't affect neighboring health, safety or property.