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

Chapter 17.640 splits events by location. Under § 17.640.020 a temporary use permit covers short-term activities on private property, while a special event permit covers activities on public or governmentally owned property, such as a City park or street. Section 17.640.050(C)(1) lists the event types: amusement rides, arts and crafts exhibits, auctions, carnivals, circuses, concerts, fairs, farmer's markets, festivals, flea markets, food events, outdoor entertainment and sporting events, rodeos, rummage sales, second-hand sales and swap meets. Each is allowed for 14 consecutive days or less, or six two-day weekends, within a 12-month period.

A retail business holding a valid business license can hold a maximum of three outdoor sale events each calendar year, each no longer than four consecutive days, and City sponsored activities such as Cinco De Mayo or the Potato Festival are excluded from that count. Seasonal sales are confined to October 1 through October 31 for Halloween pumpkins, and the day after Thanksgiving through December 26 for Christmas trees.

Filing deadlines differ. A temporary use permit application goes to the Department at least 30 days before the event, and a special event application at least 60 days before, under § 17.640.060. Chapter 5.58 defines a special event as a gathering of 20 or more people, or one that charges admission, in the public right-of-way or on public property. For a special event the Director can require $1,000,000 combined single limit and $2,000,000 aggregate general liability insurance naming the City of San Jacinto, $1,000,000 auto liability if moving vehicles including golf carts are involved, and $1,000,000 liquor liability if alcohol is sold. All vendors participating in the event and service providers must carry insurance, with the document submitted no later than 15 days before the event start date.

The Director can also require a security plan, a refundable cleaning deposit and a refundable event deposit covering street closure, overtime and Sheriff personnel. Section 17.640.090 conditions can regulate hours, sanitary facilities, waste collection, signs and a performance bond.