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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
BPMC Ch. 19.1004, § 19.1004.020(B)(10)
Duration cap
3 consecutive days per event
Frequency cap
3 events per calendar year
Application lead time
30 days before event start
Approving official
Director of Community Development
Appeal window
10 days to Planning Commission
Revocation notice
3 days' written notice, public hearing

Summary

Street fairs, sidewalk sales, bake sales and rummage sales in Buena Park parking lots or on private sidewalks need a Temporary Use Permit before opening, and the code caps each event at three consecutive days and three events per calendar year per site.

A. For the purpose of this Title, "temporary use" means an activity of less than thirty days in duration, unless indicated otherwise within this section. B. No person shall operate and no business license shall be issued for any of the following temporary uses until a permit has been first obtained therefor in writing for such use pursuant to the provisions of this chapter: ... 10. Special event sales in parking lots and/or private sidewalks, bake sales, rummage sales, etc., limited to not more than three consecutive days in duration, nor more than three events per calendar year (motor vehicle sales are not permitted),

Full Breakdown

1004 requires a Temporary Use Permit for any activity the code defines as a "temporary use": an activity of less than thirty days' duration. ," capping them at not more than three consecutive days per event and not more than three events per calendar year at the same location; motor vehicle sales are barred from this category outright. No business license can issue for a listed temporary use, including street-fair-style vending, until the Director of Community Development has approved the permit in writing. 030, supplying the organizer's name, address and phone number, the employer's contact information if applicable, the exact site address, a description of the equipment or product involved, written authorization from the property owner, and (for outdoor activity) two sets of plot plans showing pedestrian and vehicle circulation around the site.

040 sends the application to every city department the use could affect, and each must investigate and respond in writing. 050 the Director may approve, conditionally approve or deny the permit, and may attach any terms or conditions needed to protect public peace, health, safety or welfare, refusing the permit outright if the use would conflict with those goals.

Violations & Fines

A denial can be appealed in writing to the Planning Commission within ten days of notice, filed with the Secretary to the Planning Commission per Section 19.1004.060, processed as an appeal under Chapter 19.120. If a permitted event runs out of compliance with its conditions or the Code, Section 19.1004.070 lets the Director revoke the permit after three days' written notice and a public hearing; the revocation stands unless appealed, and the Director may enforce the revocation while an appeal is pending. Processing and permit fees are set by City Council resolution under Section 19.1004.080, not fixed in the chapter itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold a sidewalk sale or street fair booth without a city permit in Buena Park?
No. Section 19.1004.020(B) bars any business license and bars operation of the listed temporary uses, including special event sales on parking lots or private sidewalks, until a Temporary Use Permit is obtained in writing from the Director of Community Development.
How many days can a Buena Park street fair or sidewalk sale run?
Section 19.1004.020(B)(10) limits special event sales, bake sales and rummage sales in parking lots or on private sidewalks to not more than three consecutive days per event, and not more than three such events at the same location per calendar year.
How far in advance must I apply for a Buena Park special event permit?
Section 19.1004.030 requires the application at least 30 days before the event begins, and it must include the organizer's contact information, site address, a description of the equipment or product used, property owner authorization, and site plans for outdoor activity.
What happens if the city denies or revokes my special event permit?
A denial can be appealed in writing to the Planning Commission within ten days under Section 19.1004.060. If a permitted event violates its conditions, Section 19.1004.070 lets the Director revoke it after three days' written notice and a hearing, and the revocation is enforceable during any appeal.

Sources & Official References

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