Redwood City, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

03 requires a Temporary Exclusive Use Permit for ten specific categories of park activity: any activity with 25 or more people; structures over 12 feet in any dimension, including shade structures; jumper (inflatable) structures, limited to approved sites in designated parks; portable barbecues, limited to approved sites in designated picnic areas; overnight camping; sound amplifying equipment; live music; advertising or sale of merchandise; sale of services or products, or facility use for profit; and commercial filming. Every application must be signed by an authorized representative of the sponsoring group or organization, which is then responsible for complying with the Chapter and for all damages the activity causes.

The Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services establishes and amends the guidelines, policies, rules, and fees for park facility use, and evaluates each written request on a case-by-case basis rather than a fixed formula. The Director may also require public liability and property damage insurance with whatever endorsements are appropriate to protect the park and the public, and sets security requirements by weighing the facility's maximum capacity, the type of activity, its scheduled hours, and any prior incident history tied to the applicant or similar events.

Alcohol is allowed only at Department-sponsored special events or inside five named buildings, the Community Activities Building, Fair Oaks Community Center, Red Morton Recreation Center, Veterans Memorial Senior Center, and Sandpiper Community Center, and even then the Director can add conditions on top of state alcohol-control rules. 7B.