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

020 defines a "special event" as an organized activity of limited duration on property not owned by the City, outside the confines of the primary building, authorized by the property owner, whether or not admission is charged; the definition expressly lists retail sales, community events, public concerts, cultural and educational events, fairs, festivals, and mass participation sports like marathons or bicycle races. 030 confines events to commercial zones adjacent to a primary or major arterial highway on the Circulation Element, or to schools, colleges, churches, other public or religious institutions, and Public Institution-zoned parcels.

050 requires the application at least 14 days before the event, listing the sponsor, exact location, prior communities where the event has run, and the number of rides, games, shows, concessions and food vehicles involved. 080 caps operations at one location to no more than two permits for similar events within a year, limits the footprint of equipment and storage to 15 percent of the site's parking area, and bars trailers, tents or temporary living quarters absent City Council approval.