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

Chapter 4.35 defines an outdoor festival by the risks large uncontrolled crowds create and requires a City Manager-issued special business license before anyone sponsors, promotes, advertises or sells tickets to one, per Section 4.35.205. Applications go to the City Manager at least 90 days before the event under Section 4.35.210, and must identify every applicant, property owner, proposed dates, hours, maximum attendance, security and fencing plans, and provider contracts for water, sanitation, parking, security, fire protection, lighting and cleanup required by Sections 4.35.040 through 4.35.105.

Every general partner, corporate director, sole proprietor, or officer connected to the application must be fingerprinted and photographed at the Police Department under Section 4.35.245 before the application is considered complete. The Community Development Director, Chief of Police, Public Works Director and Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Chief each review the application and report findings to the City Manager within 20 days; the City Manager must act within 30 days of filing under Section 4.35.255. Once issued, the license fixes the maximum attendance, dates and hours, and the licensee cannot admit more ticketed guests than the license allows under Section 4.35.110.

Vendors who sell food, drink or merchandise at the festival must separately obtain a vendor permit from the Finance Director under Section 4.35.300, valid only for that event, and pay a fee capped at the City's reasonable administrative cost under Section 4.35.305.