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

20(a) makes it unlawful to 'conduct, manage or Sponsor any Special Event without a written permit,' and bars anyone from joining or continuing a Special Event once a permit is revoked or its terms are violated. The Bureau of Street Services runs the One-Stop Special Events Permit Office for all Special Events other than Parades and Assemblies (handled by LAPD) and entertainment-industry filming (handled separately). 20(b), a street fair's application must be filed with the Bureau at least 45 days before the first event day; filing 21 days or less beforehand triggers a non-refundable $312 late fee.

20(d)(1). The Bureau circulates the application to the Council office and every affected City department, Police, Fire, Building and Safety, Transportation, General Services, Cultural Affairs, each of which can object or impose conditions before the permit issues. Recurring festivals that run at least 12 times a year, including certified farmers' markets run by a nonprofit or government agency, may get a single permit covering the whole year. Sponsors pay all fees and salary costs for City services in advance, including parking-meter usage fees when curbside space is reserved, and are billed or refunded the difference once actual costs are known.