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

Chapter 11-40 defines a 'special event' broadly to include free speech marches, film production, block parties, festivals, outdoor markets, concerts, parades, walks, runs, and cycling events that use City streets, sidewalks, alleys, or public parking areas and need traffic control, sanitation, or police service beyond normal levels. 020 makes it unlawful to conduct or participate in any such event without a permit issued by the City Manager, and the permit has to be on site and shown to any City official on demand. Applicants file at least 30 days but not more than a year before the event date, though the City Manager can waive the 30-day minimum for good cause.

The written application must state the purpose, dates, locations and route, expected number of participants, spectators and vendors, and details on food, alcohol, sound equipment, security, traffic control, parking, toilets, and garbage. Before a permit issues, the applicant pays a non-refundable processing fee and City-service cost recovery fees set by City Council resolution, carries general liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and signs an indemnification agreement; free speech marches are exempt from the insurance and indemnification conditions. The City Manager must act within 15 business days and can attach conditions covering City staffing costs, a traffic control plan, no-parking postings, and restrictions on hours or amplified sound.

090 bars issuing a permit to close a street for an event held purely to advertise a product or service for private profit, except film production.