Santa Clara, CA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Temporary Use Permit, § 18.122.050(B)
- Filing deadline
- At least 30 days before the event
- Duration limit
- 6 consecutive days per 30-day period
- Annual cap
- 6 two-day weekends per 12 months
- Reviewing agencies
- Police, Fire, Building Division
- Decision maker
- Community Development Director or Planning Commission
Summary
Running a festival, fair, carnival or flea market in Santa Clara requires a Temporary Use Permit under Zoning Code § 18.122.050(B), filed with the Community Development Department at least 30 days ahead. Special events are capped at six consecutive days within a 30-day span, or six two-day weekends within a year, unless the Director approves an annual plan.
The following temporary uses are allowed on private property, subject to the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit... B. Special Events. 1. Amusement rides, arts and crafts exhibits, auctions, carnivals, circuses, concerts, fairs, festivals, flea markets, food markets/events, outdoor entertainment/festivals/sporting events, petting zoos, religious revivals, rodeos, rummage sales (not garage or yard sales), tent camps, and swap meets limited to six consecutive days or less within any 30-day period, or six two-day weekends, within a 12-month period. When an annual plan is submitted to and approved by the Director, the frequency and duration of these special events may be extended.
Full Breakdown
" These events are limited to six consecutive days or less within any 30-day period, or six two-day weekends within a 12-month period, though the Director can extend frequency and duration if the organizer submits and gets approval of an annual plan. 080 are met. 070 routes the application to the Police Department for security and traffic plan review, the Fire Department for tents, canopies, cooking equipment and pyrotechnics, the Building Division for temporary electrical connections, and requires the organizer to secure an ABC permit or certify no alcohol will be sold.
060(C), and the Director may refer any application to the Planning Commission instead of deciding it directly. 100 requires the site be restored to its prior condition once the event ends.
Violations & Fines
Holding a fair, festival, carnival or flea market without an approved Temporary Use Permit is a zoning violation. The Director issues a written Notice of Violation under SCCC § 18.152.050, giving the property owner and organizer 30 days to correct the violation, or less if the event poses a public nuisance or safety hazard, before further enforcement follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to apply for a street fair permit?
How long can a festival or fair run in Santa Clara?
Will my neighbors be notified before my event is approved?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Street Fair Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle street fair rules.