San Clemente, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

28's Public Recreational Facilities provisions, requires anyone wishing to use a City-owned facility, including buildings, parks, beaches and trails, for practicing, carrying on or conducting a commercial business, occupation or profession, to first apply for a permit. The application uses the City's prescribed 'application for permit to use recreational facilities' form, is filed with the Beaches, Parks and Recreation Department, and carries a processing fee the City may charge. In reviewing an application, the Department can weigh the types of goods proposed for sale, the applicant's ability to comply with applicable laws such as food-handling requirements, and any other relevant factors.

The prohibition side of the section is broad: without a permit, no one may conduct any commercial business, occupation or profession in a City-owned facility, or sell or offer to sell food, beverages, merchandise or anything else there, unless another code section or state or federal law exempts the activity. The rule expressly reaches camps or groups that charge tuition or fees to participants who use City facilities during that activity, and it covers vending in connection with any City-sponsored or City-approved event as well.

Approval standards, fee schedules and operating rules for use of City-owned facilities are set by City Council resolution rather than fixed in the ordinance itself, giving the Council room to adjust fees and conditions over time. This permit requirement applies across every City-owned facility named in the section, not just the more heavily used beach or pier areas.