Special Event Permits

A Special Event Permit is required for any organized activity taking place on public property or private property impacting public spaces in Newport Beach, including parks, beaches, streets, and facilities. This page provides the necessary information to complete the permit process, including application forms, required documentation, submittal deadlines, and approval procedures.

Permit Levels, Deadlines, and Event Examples

Permit Level 1

Qualifications:	Event Examples:
1-day event only (no multi-day events) Outdoor amplified sound Less than 1,000 attendees No road or lane closures No city services needed	Events at parks utilizing amplified sound Movies nights, concerts, weddings Grand openings 1-day surf contest Park picnic with amplified sound
Deadlines:
Applications should be submitted 1-2 months before the event date. Late fees apply to applications received less than 20 calendar days before the event date. Applications received less than 6 calendar days before the event date will be denied.

Fee Schedule

PERMIT LEVEL	PERMIT FEE		LATE PERMIT FEE
PERMIT LEVEL	Resident	Non-Resident	Resident	Non-Resident
Level 1	$544	$1,078	$686	$1,379
Level 2	$1,334	$2,436	$1,751	$3,494
Level 3	$3,227	$6,173	$5,443	$10,890
Bundle Permits	$3,610 (includes 20 events)

APPEAL FEE
A permit will be categorized in the highest level that includes one or more identifying criteria. (i.e. if event has less than 1,000 attendees but requires limited City services it will be a Level 2 Permit.) Final decision of level of permit can be appealed to the City Manager. The Appeal Fee is $2,018.

Permit Level 2

Qualifications:	Event Examples:
Up to 4 consecutive days (including set-up & breakdown Limited City services are required as determined by the Recreation and Senior Services Department. 1,000-5,000 attendees over the course of the event Event occurs on public right-of-way except parks under a permitted reservation	Concerts expecting 1,000-5,000 attendees and utilizing amplified sound 2-day Surf Contest required to staff City Lifeguards Car shows expecting 1000-5,000 attendees Multiple day park reservations
Deadlines:
Applications should be submitted 3-4 months before the event date. Late fees apply to applications received less than 60 calendar days before the event date. Applications received less than 21 calendar days before the event date will be denied.

Fee Schedule

PERMIT LEVEL	PERMIT FEE		LATE PERMIT FEE
PERMIT LEVEL	Resident	Non-Resident	Resident	Non-Resident
Level 1	$544	$1,078	$686	$1,379
Level 2	$1,334	$2,436	$1,751	$3,494
Level 3	$3,227	$6,173	$5,443	$10,890
Bundle Permits	$3,610 (includes 20 events)

APPEAL FEE
A permit will be categorized in the highest level that includes one or more identifying criteria. (i.e. if event has less than 1,000 attendees but requires limited City services it will be a Level 2 Permit.) Final decision of level of permit can be appealed to the City Manager. The Appeal Fee is $2,018.

Permit Level 3

Qualifications:	Event Examples:
More than 4 consecutive days (including set-up & breakdown). More than 5,000 in attendance over the course of the event. Traffic plans, road closures, and/or traffic control is required. City Services are required. Code enforcement is required to monitor sound levels. A pre-event meeting is required.	Parade processions requiring public street closures and City services.. Athletic events requiring public street closures, city services, and/or amplified sound. Firework shows. Multiple day Tournaments expecting more than 5,000 in attendance over the course of the event.
Deadlines:
Applications should be submitted 6-9 months before the event date. Late fees apply to applications received less than 120 calendar days before the event date. Applications received less than 90 calendar days before the event date will be denied.

Fee Schedule

PERMIT LEVEL	PERMIT FEE		LATE PERMIT FEE
PERMIT LEVEL	Resident	Non-Resident	Resident	Non-Resident
Level 1	$544	$1,078	$686	$1,379
Level 2	$1,334	$2,436	$1,751	$3,494
Level 3	$3,227	$6,173	$5,443	$10,890
Bundle Permits	$3,610 (includes 20 events)

APPEAL FEE
A permit will be categorized in the highest level that includes one or more identifying criteria. (i.e. if event has less than 1,000 attendees but requires limited City services it will be a Level 2 Permit.) Final decision of level of permit can be appealed to the City Manager. The Appeal Fee is $2,018.

Bundled Permits

Qualifications:	Event Examples:
Is a one-time purchase of 20 Special Event Permits (Sub-Records) under a bundled package. Bundled permits apply only to Level 1 and Level 2 Permits levels. Events must be held at the same location and must be similar in nature. Recurring events (e.g., weekly or monthly series) may qualify, provided they meet the above criteria.	Local hotels hosting multiple outdoor events with amplified sound Car shows held at the same location multiple times a year
Deadlines:
Applications should be submitted 6 weeks before the event date. Late fees apply to applications received less than 20 calendar days before the event date. Applications received less than 6 calendar days before the event date will be denied.

Fee Schedule

PERMIT LEVEL	PERMIT FEE		LATE PERMIT FEE
PERMIT LEVEL	Resident	Non-Resident	Resident	Non-Resident
Level 1	$544	$1,078	$686	$1,379
Level 2	$1,334	$2,436	$1,751	$3,494
Level 3	$3,227	$6,173	$5,443	$10,890
Bundle Permits	$3,610 (includes 20 events)

APPEAL FEE
A permit will be categorized in the highest level that includes one or more identifying criteria. (i.e. if event has less than 1,000 attendees but requires limited City services it will be a Level 2 Permit.) Final decision of level of permit can be appealed to the City Manager. The Appeal Fee is $2,018.

Special Event Application Process

Pre-Application Document: Site Plan

Event Site Plan / Map
A site plan is required to show the overall footprint of your event and how activities will be arranged. The plan should be to scale and easy to read, providing City staff and public safety teams with a clear understanding of the event layout.

Your site plan should include, as applicable:

Stages, performance areas, or entertainment zones
Vendor booths, food trucks, or concession areas
Restrooms and handwashing stations
First aid/medical stations
Parking areas, ADA parking, and shuttle/drop-off points
Alcohol service areas (if applicable)
Emergency access routes and exits
Fencing, barricades, or restricted areas

Examples

A street festival map showing vendor booths lined along the street with clearly marked emergency lanes.
A park event layout showing stage location, audience area, restroom trailers, and first aid station.
A 5K race map indicating the course route, start/finish lines, water stations, and medical tents.

Why it’s important
The site plan helps ensure your event is safe, accessible, and compliant with City codes. It also allows police, fire, and City staff to coordinate emergency response, traffic control, and logistical support. Submitting a clear and complete site plan will expedite your review and approval process.

Pre-Application Document: Insurance

Certificate of Insurance and Endorsements
All events must provide proof of insurance to ensure proper liability coverage for both the event organizer and the City. A complete insurance submission must include:

A Certificate of Insurance showing required coverage limits (typically $1,000,000–$3,000,000 depending on event type).
Endorsements naming the City of Newport Beach, its City Council, boards and commissions, officers, agents, volunteers, and employees as additional insured.
Coverage that reflects your event activities (e.g., fireworks, drones, alcohol service, valet, shuttle, athletics).

Insurance Guidance

To help applicants understand these requirements, the Risk Management Department has prepared a Special Event Insurance Information Packet. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review this resource before submitting insurance documents, as it explains coverage standards, endorsement requirements, and common questions.

What to Submit

Applicants may upload a copy of their current insurance policy that meets the specific criteria for their event. Risk Management will review the document and provide feedback, including any required changes or corrections for approval. If the applicant does not have a policy, they may submit an insurance quote that satisfies all criteria. Completing this step early can save time and help prevent delays in the permitting process.

Insurance Assistance – Bene-Marc

The City partners with Bene-Marc Insurance to provide special event coverage at competitive rates. Bene-Marc specializes in event policies and can help applicants quickly secure the correct coverage to ensure compliance with City requirements. Applicants may contact Bene-Marc directly to determine eligibility and receive a quote.

🌐 Website: https://bene-marc.com/
☎️ Phone: (866) 257-2560

Why it’s important

Accurate insurance documents protect your event, participants, and the City. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can delay the permitting process.

Pre-Application Document: Event Vendor Roster

Special Event Temporary Business License Tax Application

This form is required for all Special Event Permit (SEP) applicants, regardless of whether or not vendors, contractors, or other businesses will be present.

The application process includes:

Vendor/Contractor Roster: Applicants must submit a roster listing all vendors, contractors, and businesses participating in the event.
One-Day Business License: This form streamlines the process for participants to obtain a one-day business license, if required, at a discounted rate.
Organizer Responsibility: The event organizer is responsible for paying the cost of all applicable licenses on behalf of the participating vendors and contractors.

Why it’s important
This requirement ensures all vendors and businesses are legally operating within the City of Newport Beach. By collecting these applications together, the organizer avoids delays and allows participants to quickly obtain necessary licenses at a reduced cost.

The Process

Complete the Special Event Temporary Business License Tax Application.
Upload the completed form to the Files tab in your application. A designated location will be provided. Note: The system will not allow you to submit the application without this document.
Submit your application. If changes are needed, you may upload an updated version of the document to your portal after submission.
The Revenue Department will review your vendor list. If any vendors do not currently hold a valid Newport Beach Business License, the department will invoice the applicant for the total cost of all required 1-day temporary licenses. Once this invoice is paid in full, the Revenue Department will finalize their review and approve their portion of the process.

Apply For Your Special Event Permit Online! CiViC Portal

Online Application: CiViC Portal

With all pre-application documents complete, you are ready to apply! All Special Event Permit applications must be submitted online through the City of Newport Beach CiViC Portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted.

The CiViC Portal allows applicants to:

Create an account and submit applications electronically

Upload all required documents
Pay invoices, permit fees, and City Services online
Track the status of an application throughout the review process
Receive updates or requests for additional information directly through the portal or via email

Application Instructions

Access the CiViC Portal at css.newportbeachca.gov.
Register or Log In to your account. New users must complete the one-time registration process.
Apply for the “RSS Special Event Permit” from the "Apply" options.
Complete the Application by entering all required information and uploading the required pre-application documents. This includes the Site Map, Certificate of Insurance, and Temporary Business License Tax Application.
Sign & and click "Submit" at the end of the Application process
Monitor Application Status by logging in to the CiViC Portal at any time
Pay invoices including but not limited to Permit Fees and City Services. Invoices are automatically emailed to the applicant.

Applications are considered incomplete until all required materials have been submitted. Processing will not begin until the application and fees are received.

Application Review & Next Steps

Post Application Submission

Once a Special Event Permit application has been submitted through the CiViC Portal, it will undergo a coordinated review by City staff. The review process includes the following steps listed below. All communication regarding the status of the application will be conducted via email, with automated messages sent from lms@newportbeachca.gov.

Application Review
Staff will review the submitted application and required documents for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be processed until all missing items are provided.
Departmental Review
Depending on the scope of the event, the application may be reviewed by multiple City departments, including Recreation & Senior Services, Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Development.
Requests for Additional Information
Applicants may be contacted through the CiViC Portal to provide clarification or submit additional documents (e.g., traffic control plans, security plans, health permits). Communication regarding these requests is conducted primarily through automated emails sent from lms@newportbeachca.gov. Applicants are responsible for monitoring both the CiViC Portal and associated email notifications.
Permit Conditions
If approved, the permit will include specific conditions of approval. These conditions must be met prior to the event (e.g., insurance verification, payment of fees, compliance with City codes).
Final Approval and Issuance
The Special Event Permit will be issued once all conditions are satisfied. Applicants can download the permit directly from the CiViC Portal.

Note: Failure to respond to requests for information, meet deadlines, or satisfy permit conditions may result in denial of the application.

Resources

City Grants

Grant Funding for Special Events

The City of Newport Beach offers Special Event Grants to help reduce event costs:

Community & Charitable Events – Fee credits for nonprofit and community-based events that serve Newport Beach residents.
Signature Events – Larger events that bring visitors and economic impact; grants may cover up to 25% of event costs.

Key Points:

Applications open each spring for events held the following fiscal year.
Events must be based in Newport Beach with confirmed dates and locations.
Grants are awarded mainly as credits toward City fees, not cash.

📎 Learn more and apply here

FAQ

Do I need a Special Event Permit (SEP)?
Yes, if your event is on public property or impacts City services (road closures, amplified sound, large gatherings). Some private property events may also require a SEP.

How do I apply?
Submit your application online through the CiViC Portal.

How will I get updates?
All communication is by email, with automated messages from lms@newportbeachca.gov..

What documents are required?
Most events must submit:

Insurance (Certificate & Endorsements)
Event Site Plan / Map
Special Event Temporary Business License Tax Application

Can I upload an insurance quote or old policy?
Yes. Risk Management will review it and let you know if changes are needed.

What if my vendors don’t have a business license?
They can get a one-day license through the SEP process at a discounted rate. The event organizer pays for all vendor licenses together.

How do I create a site plan?
Show the layout of stages, vendors, restrooms, first aid, parking, alcohol areas, fencing, and emergency routes.

Are there resources to help cover costs?
Yes. The City offers Special Event Grants to offset fees.

Do I have to use Bene-Marc for insurance?
No. You can use any provider, but Bene-Marc is familiar with the City’s requirements.

How long does the process take?
It varies by event size. Apply several months in advance to allow time for review.

Who can I contact for help?

Risk Management – Insurance questions (949-644-3300)
Recreation & Senior Services – 949-644-3151
OC Health Care Agency – 714-433-6000
CA Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) –657-205-3533

Special Event Permit Application

Special Event Permit Application

Special Event Permits

Permit Levels, Deadlines, and Event Examples

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule

Special Event Application Process

Special Event Temporary Business License Tax Application

Online Application: CiViC Portal

The CiViC Portal allows applicants to:

Application Instructions

Post Application Submission

Resources

Grant Funding for Special Events