Special Event Permit Application

Instructions and Guidelines

A Special Event Permit is required for the following activities:

·         Any organized formation, parade, procession or other event taking place on County roads which may interfere, impede or obstruct the flow of traffic and which does not comply with normal traffic regulations or controls

·         Any organized event taking place on private property which may result in momentary traffic delays on County roads

Special Event Application

·         Special Event Application’s are required 30 days in advance. If the event requires action of the Board of Supervisors, the County requires 90 days notice for approval. Please address all Special Event Applications to: County of Santa Barbara, Public Works, Attn: Special Event Permits 123 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Special Event Application 

Insurance Requirements:

The County of Santa Barbara requires liability insurance for all special events on County owned, controlled or maintained property. Event organizers must meet the following minimum requirements:

·         Provide a certificate of insurance evidencing General Liability insurance for $1million coverage

-Coverage for automobiles included if they are being used by paid employees of the event organizer

·         Provide an Additional Insured certificate listing the County of Santa Barbara as Additional Insured.  

·         Policy must be issued by an insurer assigned an A.M. Best Rating of A V (5) or better

·         Policy must be issued by an admitted insurer licensed to transact in the State of California

·         For questions regarding insurance please contact the County of Santa Barbara Risk Management office at 805-884-6860

Additional Requirements

·         Contact established with local law enforcement including Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol

·         Contact established with any local public organizations which may be in any way effected by the event

·         A detailed description of the event and it’s location

·         A detailed map of the event location

·         A detailed traffic control plan

·         The Standard Indemnification and Insurance Provisions contract signed by the event organizer. This must be an original signature and can either be mailed to the County of Santa Barbara Public Works Department Traffic Division at 123 East Anapamu St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101-2065, or faxed to 805.884.8081. 

Please also review the following attachments:

·         Event/Road Closure Conditions 

·         Barriers and Signs 

·         Special Event Sign Example 

·         Flagging Example 

For additional helpful information on temporary road closure guidelines for special events visit the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) MUTCD at http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/signtech/mutcdsupp/index.htm