How to plan a community event in Winchester or French Valley

When the county permit applies

The county defines a temporary event as an indoor or outdoor event on privately owned property that is not an established facility, whether it is public or private and whether or not there is a charge.

The county sorts events into six tiers by attendance per day.

Events that need no county permit

The county's filing instructions list several exemptions. These are the ones community organizers ask about most.

• Events held entirely on public property or public school property.
• Events with fewer than 100 people on a lot of one gross acre or more.
• Events with fewer than 300 people on a lot larger than 10 gross acres.
• Fundraising events on private property other than a home, limited to two days a month for each sponsoring organization, sponsored by an educational, charitable, religious or nonprofit group.
• Events held solely in a public right-of-way, such as a race or a parade, as long as the other permits are obtained.

Limits on the property

• No more than four temporary events on the same lot in a calendar year.
• No more than four consecutive days, with at least four days between events on the same lot.
• In residential zones, events may not operate between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Elsewhere, not between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m.

Plans the county approves

• An access and parking plan, approved by the county's Transportation Director and Fire Chief.
• A fire protection plan and an emergency medical services plan.
• A security operations plan, reviewed by the Sheriff.
• A sewage disposal, drinking water and food service plan, approved by Environmental Health.
• A noise, dust and lighting plan, approved by Planning.

Roads

Work or closures in a county road need an encroachment permit from the county Transportation Department. Road closures are one of its permit types, and it says most permits are issued within 14 working days.

Events in a park

The Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District runs the parks in both communities, including Winchester-Domenigoni Park and the French Valley Community Center at Rancho Bella Vista Park.

• Only parks with gazebos can be reserved, and the reservation covers the gazebo for the time listed.
• A signed Facility Use Agreement is required before booking.
• Larger group events need a certificate of insurance and an endorsement naming Valley-Wide, due at least 10 business days ahead.
• The district's packet calls for 1 security guard for every 100 people, plus 1 for the parking lot and restrooms.
• Outside vendors must be insured and approved, and food sales need health permits.

Restrooms

The county's instructions set no toilet ratio. Restrooms are covered by the sewage disposal plan that Environmental Health approves, so ask them what your event needs.

Trash and cleanup

The county's event filing instructions do not address trash or recycling. In a Valley-Wide park, the applicant is responsible for making sure all debris and trash is picked up from the site.