How to plan a community event in Lake Elsinore

The permit

A Special Event Permit is required when an organized activity uses city streets, sidewalks or rights-of-way, or city parks and other city property. The whole process is online: you apply, upload documents such as a site map and insurance, pay, sign and receive the permit.

The city sorts events into community events it co-sponsors, private events, lake events on the shores, beaches and water, and city events. Unless the City Council says otherwise, all event costs fall on the applicant.

Insurance and deposit

The city's insurance sheet lists commercial general liability of 1 million dollars per occurrence, auto liability of 1 million dollars per accident, and workers compensation if you have paid employees. Liquor liability is required if alcohol will be consumed.

The city and its officials, employees and agents must be added by endorsement. The sheet says listing the city on the certificate is not sufficient. Coverage has to include setup and teardown dates. A refundable deposit applies.

Streets and traffic

For a parade, a run or any event on the streets, the code requires a traffic management plan showing road closures, detours and barricades, approved by the City Traffic Engineer. You place, maintain and remove the barricades.

Food and alcohol

• All vendors selling food or other products must have a City of Lake Elsinore business license.
• Food service falls under the County Health Department, and its permits must be displayed.
• Alcohol is not allowed in parks or on beaches except at an authorized special event, and California ABC may require its own permit.

Fire and security

• The code's event chapter calls for a 2A-10BC fire extinguisher at every ride and every food booth, and inspections at least one day before the event.
• Your application identifies your security procedures, and the Chief of Police decides the staffing.
• In parks and on beaches, shade structures up to 144 square feet are allowed in daylight, and open fires are allowed only in the city's fire rings.

Restrooms

The city's code does not set a ratio for special events. It makes the applicant responsible for the sanitation, trash disposal and water needs of everyone taking part, and asks you to identify the facilities in your application.

Trash and cleanup

The code's event chapter says all trash, debris, garbage and special dumpsters shall be removed within 24 hours of the event closing. For events serving more than 2,000 people a day, it also requires a plan to recover edible food.

Lake Elsinore's code reserves refuse collection to the city or its designated agents. Ask the special events team how that applies to your event before you arrange trash service.

Sound and hours

The noise ordinance restricts loudspeakers between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. where the sound carries across a residential property line. City parks and beaches are closed between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Places events are held

• Historic Main Street downtown, where the city holds Winterfest.
• Launch Pointe on Riverside Drive, at the lakefront, home of the city's summer concerts.
• Summerly Community Park on Malaga Road.
• The Lake Community Center on Graham Avenue, which can be rented.