La Habra, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Municipal Code § 18.65.020 makes it unlawful to conduct, operate, organize or promote a special event, defined at § 18.04.030 to include block parties by name, anywhere in La Habra without a special event permit, unless the activity is exempt. Closing one or more public streets automatically pushes a block party into the 'large special event' category defined at § 18.04.030, which also captures any gathering expecting 250 or more attendees, lasting five days or more, removing more than 25 percent of on-site parking, or using an inflatable structure larger than 200 square feet.

Section 18.65.030 limits most properties to 12 total special events a calendar year with at least 30 days between events, unless the planning commission grants a conditional use permit for more. A small special event permit is decided by the director within 10 business days of a complete application; a large special event permit goes to the planning commission after a noticed public hearing. Every application under § 18.65.050 must include a site plan or route map showing road closures, entrances and exits, and emergency vehicle access, plus, where the block party closes a street, a traffic control plan stamped and signed by a California-licensed Traffic Engineer or Professional Engineer.

Applicants must also carry liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured, with a minimum $2,000,000 per-occurrence limit for a permit involving public property under § 18.65.110, and pay a filing fee set by council resolution under § 18.65.060. A small special event application is due at least 45 calendar days before the event date; a large special event application is due at least 90 calendar days ahead, under § 18.65.070.