Arcadia, CA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 9107.23.050 lists what Arcadia allows on a Temporary Use Permit: amusement rides, arts and crafts exhibits, carnivals, concerts, fairs, farmer's markets, festivals, flea markets, food events, swap meets and similar events. The limit is 14 consecutive days or less, or six two-day weekends, within a 12-month period. Mobile food vending under Section 9104.02.220 is allowed up to 6 months within a 12-month period. Under § 9107.23.030, temporary land uses cannot be established, operated or conducted without a valid permit.

Events on publicly owned property and rights-of-way have a carve-out. Section 9107.23.040 D exempts events there when sponsored by educational, fraternal, religious or service organizations directly engaged in civic or charitable efforts, or by tax exempt organizations under 501(c) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code.

The application goes to the Department at least 30 days before the event, with the fee from the Fee Schedule. The Director acts within 30 days of a complete application, and no public notice or hearing is required for that decision. Approval needs findings that the event will not endanger public health or safety, the site fits the event, the streets can carry the traffic, adequate temporary parking exists, pedestrian access ways and vehicular circulation are not impeded, and the applicant agrees in writing to the conditions (§ 9107.23.080).

Section 9107.23.090 lets the Director set conditions. The permit period is fixed at not more than 30 days for a use not occupying a structure. Conditions can cover operating hours, the number of vendors and the scope of goods sold, Health Department permits for food sales, sanitary and medical facilities, security, and a performance bond for removal of temporary structures. No equipment or apparatus can sit within 100 feet of any residential use, and no sign goes up before the permit issues. The site must be cleaned of debris and litter to the Director's satisfaction after the event (§ 9107.23.110).

For the RTE Overlay and S-1 zone, activities hosting fewer than 10,000 people at any one time go to the Director, and larger ones go to the Council with a 1,000-foot noticing radius instead of 300 feet.