How to plan a community event in Temecula

The permit

A Temporary Use Permit is required for anyone holding a limited-term activity or event, and the packet describes it in terms of private property. The Director of Planning decides whether yours is Minor or Major.

Fairs, festivals, concerts and large outdoor events are Major. So is anything with live music, alcohol, large gatherings or street closures. Sidewalk sales, vendor stands and grand openings are Minor.

For a public event in a city park, the city's rentals page says to contact Community Services at Rentals@TemeculaCA.gov.

What the application asks for

• A statement of operations: hours and days, staff, security, expected attendance, parking, and whether there is food, alcohol or live entertainment.
• A site plan showing walkways, access points, ADA paths, the electrical source, lighting, hydrants, extinguishers, tents, generators and fire lanes.
• Evidence of insurance of 1 million dollars naming the City of Temecula as additionally insured. The packet says this typically applies on public right-of-way, city-owned property or city-sponsored events.
• A business license, and a state seller's permit if goods are sold.

Streets and traffic

The form asks whether any roads will be closed or encroached upon. If so, a separate encroachment permit from Public Works is required.

Food and alcohol

• Food requires a separate temporary food permit from the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health.
• Alcohol requires a California ABC permit, and the Temecula Police Department may need to sign off.
• Drinking alcohol is prohibited in all city parks.

Tents, fire and structures

• Every tent needs at least one 2A:10-B:C fire extinguisher. Anyone cooking also needs a Class K extinguisher.
• The packet says tents must be approved by the California State Fire Marshal, and adds "no E-Z-up tents". Tent permits are approved by the Fire Department.
• Temporary structures larger than 399 square feet need structural calculations and a Building and Safety permit. So do generators, stages and electrical work.
• Keep fencing four feet from hydrants, and make stages accessible by ramp or lift.

Restrooms

The permit packet sets minimum toilet counts by the number of patrons. These are the counts for an event that runs more than 8 hours.

• Shorter events need a share of those counts: 80% for 6 to 8 hours, 75% for 4 to 6 hours and 70% for less than 4 hours.
• Accessible toilets: 1 for up to 6 toilets, and 2 for up to 12.
• The packet also lists sinks, and its tables stop at 500 patrons. For a larger event, ask the Planning Division.

Trash and cleanup

The Temporary Use Permit packet does not address trash, recycling or cleanup. The city's own trash page says Temecula contracts with CR&R for trash and recycling services.

Your permit conditions are where any trash requirement would appear, so read them and ask the Planning Division if they are silent.

Sound and hours

The packet prints no noise limits or hours, though likely noise is part of what makes an event Major. In city parks, amplified sound is not allowed at picnic shelter rentals.

Places events are held

• Old Town, on Front Street and Main Street, where the city runs its Rod Run.
• The Civic Center Quad on Main Street, home of the summer concert series.
• Ronald Reagan Sports Park, site of the city's 4th of July fireworks.
• Picnic shelters at Harveston Community Park, Meadows Park, Temeku Hills Park and Wolf Creek Park, reserved online up to 90 days ahead and at least 7 days before.