How to plan a community event in Corona

Events on streets, in parks or on city property

Corona's code says no one may hold a special event without a permit from the Chief of Police. A special event includes anything open to the public on the city's streets or in its parks, and anything involving alcohol on city property.

The application is due at least 20 days before the event, through the Police Department's online permit portal. In parks, groups of more than 25 people need to file one.

Events on private property

A Special Use Permit from Planning and Development is required for a temporary event on private property that is open to the public. The packet lists carnivals, fairs, circuses, rodeos, car shows and outdoor music festivals.

• It asks for a scaled site plan showing structures, parking, tents with dimensions and setbacks, utilities and driveway access.
• It requires a business license and a hold harmless agreement.
• On public right-of-way or city property, it requires a liability endorsement naming the City of Corona, in an amount acceptable to the city.

Street closures

Closures go through Public Works Traffic Engineering as a Request for Road Closure. The application needs a site and detour plan with barricade locations and a schedule of dates and times.

A small block party needs a petition signed by everyone on the block the closure affects. For larger closures, staff tell you what notice to give, which can mean signs ahead of time or door-to-door notification.

Food and alcohol

• Preparing food requires approval from the County Health Department.
• Alcohol is prohibited in parks and picnic shelters. Where a facility reservation allows it, the city requires a police Special Events permit and one security guard for every 200 guests.

Tents and fire

• The Fire Department's guideline requires a fire code permit for a tent larger than 400 square feet. Tents open on all sides are exempt up to 700 square feet.
• Tents stay 20 feet from lot lines and buildings, with 12 feet of clearance to structures and other tents.
• Cooking that produces sparks or grease stays 20 feet from a tent, and propane containers stay outside.
• All tents need fire retardant documentation.
• Outdoor events with more than 300 people need an emergency action plan.
• Fire Department stand-by is mandatory for circuses and carnivals.

Restrooms

The Corona documents we could read do not set a toilet count. The police permit application sits in an online portal, so ask the Police Department what it requires for your event.

Trash and cleanup

We found no event trash rule in the Special Use Permit packet, the fire application or the facility forms. The city has a solid waste and recycling franchise agreement with Waste Management.

Your permit conditions are where any trash requirement would appear, so read them before you arrange trash service.

Sound

Amplified sound has its own police form. It limits the noise level to 15 decibels above the ambient level at the nearest residential property, and the audible distance to 100 feet.

The code also prohibits amplified sound equipment on public property within 200 feet of a church, school, hospital or government building without written consent.

City venues you can reserve

• Circle City Center on North Main Street, with a banquet room and an outdoor stage and lawn.
• The Historic Civic Center Theatre on West 6th Street.
• Picnic shelters and indoor rooms, reserved online or through Community Services. The latest booking time for a reserved area is 10 p.m.