Aliso Viejo, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 11.05.020 of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code names the city park in the definition of public assembly: any group of 250 or more persons participating in an organized activity with a common purpose on or within a city street, city park, parking facility, sidewalk or other public property. A public assembly is itself a special event, as is any temporary event not exceeding 30 days involving 250 or more persons that is inconsistent with the permanent use of the property. A smaller event also qualifies if it needs a full or partial street closure or is likely to obstruct normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Once an event is a special event, section 11.05.030 requires a permit from the city manager before anyone organizes, advertises or sells tickets. The completed application is due at least 90 calendar days before the event under section 11.05.060, and the applicant pays the nonrefundable fee set by council resolution plus the city's departmental service charges and any repair cost for damaged city property under section 11.05.130. Section 11.05.010 explains the reason: large groups cause wear and tear on turf, park equipment and facilities and need city staff time for services such as traffic control.

Chapter 11.10 adds the park-level rules. Section 11.10.050 opens parks only during hours set by council resolution, and only people holding valid city permits can enter or remain outside those hours. Section 11.10.060 requires groups using camping, parking or other special facilities to pay fees and deposits set by council resolution before use, and section 11.10.070 requires payment before using park electric outlets. Anyone selling goods or food, or offering services, lessons or classes in a park needs a written permit from the Community Services Director, and sidewalk vendors in a city park need a sidewalk vending permit under Chapter 4.05. Section 11.10.100 subjects loudspeakers and amplification devices in a designated park to Chapter 8.12, and section 8.12.070(B) exempts a permitted special event from that chapter.