Special Event Terms and Conditions
Thank you for your interest in the special events program at the San Diego Coast District. Our district offers a variety of unique event venues which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The following information is provided to assist you with planning your event.
“Special Events” include all activities beyond the normal scope of park visitor use such as reservation of areas or facilities, conducting business (both for-profit and non-profit) on park property, activities which could impact public access or enjoyment, and requests for exemption from general park terms and conditions. Permit applications may be submitted up to one year in advance of the event date. A State Parks special event permit and liability insurance certification is required for all special events. Photography and film permits are coordinated under a separate process. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Submit Google form "Request for Parks Availabilty form" here https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26888
2. Request forms for simple events will not be considered with less than 45 days’ notice from the event date; complex events require a minumum of 90 days notice.
3. San Diego Coast District staff member will get in contact with you to begin the permitting process.
4. Complete the reservation documents including the nonrefundable permit fee payment and terms and conditions agreement. State Parks will then forward a special event permit application and any additional requirements to be completed by you and submitted by the 30 day deadline.
5. Special event permits are not approved/confirmed until all documents (including insurance and outside vendor contracts) are submitted and final fees are paid in full.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Special Event activities are prohibited at San Diego Coast District locations on Saturdays and Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Special Events are prohibited at all locations on Holiday Weekends (4th of July, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.).
Special event permit fee must be paid upfront to book the event and is non-refundable once event is booked. Other permit fees may be non-refundable as defined by permit terms and conditions. Payment of fees may be made by card or check. Checks must be made out to California State Parks. American Express is not accepted.
Applicant agrees to provide a detailed site plan indicating event location and layout no later than 30 days prior to the event. Site plan must include locations of tables, chairs, arches, tents, AV equipment, food/beverage stations, power supply, staging areas, vehicle and pedestrian routes, and a complete delivery schedule. No signs or direction markers are permitted to be placed in the park unless authorized by the permit.
Set-up, décor, and activity plans must be fully disclosed, pre-approved and included in the special event permit. Décor items such as flower petals, balloons, rice, confetti, sparklers and eggs are not permitted. Staking or permanent fasteners such as staples, nails, screws, etc are strictly prohibited. Inflatables or bounce houses are not permitted. Horseshoes is not permitted on the
beach at any time. Glass of any kind is strictly prohibited. Wood and charcoal are prohibited. Fireworks are strictly prohibited.
Applicants are required to provide a certificate of liability insurance naming the State of California as an additional insured
The sale and/or distribution of food, beverages, and merchandise are prohibited unless specifically authorized by the permit terms and conditions. Health permits may be required.
In general, no vehicles are permitted off-road, on beaches, paved paths, or in picnic areas except by permit.
Park posted orders, permit requirements and other applicable laws are strictly enforced. Additional permits from other governmental agencies such as City, County, CHP, CalTrans, ABC, and the California Coastal Commission, may be required for certain events and are the sole responsibility of the applicant.
RESERVATION, DEPOSIT AND NONREFUNDABLE FEE INFORMATION
Special event permits are not approved until permit application paperwork and full payment of fees are received. All forms and fees, including insurance, must be turned in at least 30 calendar days prior to the event. In the event that full payment and required application paperwork is not received in the time frame required by the park unit prior to the event, the reservation will be canceled and the application and permit fee will be forfeited. Application fees and paperwork may be mailed to the district office.
If the application, payment or insurance is not submitted at least 30 calendar days prior to the event, a late fee of $25.00 per business day will be applied for each day the application, payment or insurance are late.
Monitoring Fee:
Special event permit activities may require a State Park monitor to ensure public safety and protection of park resources. Monitor(s) will be assigned from the beginning of set-up through the completion of break-down of the event. Monitoring fees vary and have a four (4) hour minimum plus pre and post event preparation. (Additional 15-30 minutes).
Parking Fees:
Special event permits do not include parking unless specified by the permit terms and conditions. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicable day use parking fees are collected as follows:
Regular Day Use Fee - $10.00-$20.00 per vehicle
10-24 Passenger Bus - $50.00 per bus
25+ Passenger Bus - $100.00 per bus.
Pre-paid parking passes may be available when the total parking costs for the event exceed $200.00 but still do not guarantee parking space availability at the park.
Insurance Certificate Requirements:
All special event applicants must obtain a certificate of insurance in an amount no less than $500,000 specifically naming the State of California as an additional insured. If the California State Parks determines that the event creates greater potential hazard or liability to the State than incurred through simple, low- impact events, the applicant must carry liability insurance for a minimum amount of $1,000,000 combined single limit.
State Parks does not recommend insurance providers. General information concerning insurance providers may be obtained by visiting www.insurance.ca.gov.
Cancelations:
Special event permit applicants must cancel their event ten business days prior to the scheduled event date. The permit fee is non-refundable once the date is booked on the calendar. If a cancellation is requested less than ten business days prior to the event, 25% of the site fee will be forfeited in addition to the non- refundable permit fee. Events that have a monitor will forfeit the monitor fees when canceling less than 24 hours in advance (minimum of 4 hours). No refunds will be issued due to weather. No refunds will be given to events that are canceled by State Parks Staff for violation any term or condition of the permit application or posted order of the park.