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

Article 2 of Chapter 12.16 defines a 'special event' in Section 12.16.100 as any show, entertainment, circus, carnival, dance, exhibition, festival, lecture, concert, parade, sporting event, auction or similar activity open to the public, excluding temporary uses already covered under the zoning code's Section 18.32.020. Section 12.16.110 makes it unlawful for any person or organization to conduct a special event, including a street fair or festival with vendor booths, without first applying for and obtaining a permit. The application, required under Section 12.16.120, must include all the information listed for general public gatherings in Section 12.16.020, covering traffic and parking plans, sanitation, first aid, fire protection and cleanup, plus an application processing charge set by City Council resolution.

Section 12.16.130 lets the City Manager investigate the applicant, the event participants and the suitability of the proposed site, and even require fingerprinting of the applicant and staff, before deciding whether the location is suitable and adequate parking and traffic control arrangements are in place. Section 12.16.140 layers on a special event permit fee for events run for profit, but waives that fee for civic or historic events and for events sponsored by a licensed City business association promoting its members; charitable, religious, educational or service organizations pay no fee if the City Manager finds at least 75 percent of funds raised in the City go to the organization's work.

A permit can be revoked under Section 12.16.190 if the event operates illegally or disorderly, or unduly interferes with traffic, pedestrians or nearby residents, and a denial can be appealed to the City Council through the City Clerk under Section 12.16.160.