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

Chapter 5.08 (Use Permits and Variances) lists "Street or Neighborhood Fairs" among the temporary use classifications that require administrative review under Section 5.08.144, alongside circuses and carnivals, trade fairs, and non-recurring swap meets. An organizer files a completed application and fee with the Zoning Enforcement Official, who may request additional plans or materials to assess impacts and must act on a complete application within a reasonable time without public notice or hearing. To approve the permit, the Official must find the fair will be "located, operated, and maintained in a manner consistent with the policies of the General Plan and the provisions of this Chapter," and that it "will not be detrimental to property or improvements in the surrounding area or to the public health, safety, or general welfare." The Official can attach conditions to protect public welfare and neighborhood compatibility.

A granted permit takes effect on the date of approval; a denial can be appealed under Chapter 5.20 Appeals. Every temporary use permit, including one for a street fair, is capped at 90 days: the use must begin within 90 days of approval and can run only for the duration set in the approval. A permit lapses if unused within the approved dates, and the Zoning Enforcement Official may revoke it immediately, by verbal notice later confirmed in writing, for violating its terms. This differs from the Chapter 4-20 permit covering parades and block parties, since a street fair is processed as a temporary land-use classification under the Zoning Code.