ABOUT OCCASIONAL EVENTS

What is an Occasional Event Permit?

An Occasional Event Permit, or OEP, is a ONE (1) DAY PERMIT for businesses who do not have an entertainment license to have entertainment on private property.

All events must be FULLY CONTAINED to private property to qualify. Should any of the event affect public property (example: attendees lining up on sidewalk, impacts neighborhood parking, etc), organizer must apply for a Special Event permit.

All OEP permit applicants (including non-profits) and their participating vendors MUST have a business license in good standing to apply.

These applications must be submitted no less than TEN (10) BUSINESS DAYS prior your event to allow time to process your application.

An occasional event permit shall not be issued for any premises or location more than twenty-four (24) times within any twelve (12) month period, and events for which occasional event permits are issued must be at least ten (10) days apart. (See Muni Code 5.72.130)

Due to certain specific circumstances, usually related to alcohol requirements and/or fire codes, the
city Fire Marshall may conduct a Safety Spot Check or city staff may be required to staff your event.

An Occasional Event Permit may be required if you are a Short Term Rental applicant looking to hold an event on property. The purpose of an Occasional Event Permit for Short Term Rentals is to create oversight and ensure the peace of the neighborhood is considered for applicants looking to hold a one (1) day event on property that may exceed occupancy rates.  Short Term Rental Event Application

What is NOT an Occasional Event?

An Occasional Event Permit cannot be issued under the following conditions:

1. 1. A business that doesn’t have a valid and current business license.
   2. Private residents (includes apartments, townhomes, etc.)
   3. Event is held on city property. These require a Special Event Permit.
      City property includes parks, sidewalks, streets, and all public buildings. 
   4. Certain specific and unique situations may prohibit the issuance of a permit.

An Occasional Event Permit IS required under the following:

1. 1. Amplified or electronically enhanced entertainment.
   2. Disc Jockeys are considered amplified entertainment.
   3. The presence of three (3) or more entertainers.
   4. Business does not have an entertainment license.
   5. Short Term Rental (STR) Applicant looking to hold an event on property that may exceed occupancy rates.

An Occasional Event Permit may not be required under the following:

1. 1. Ambient Music is any amplified or acoustic low level background music.
   2. Ambient Music is intended to create an atmosphere and not to entertain.
   3. Disc Jockeys are NOT considered ambient music.
   4. Acoustic Music shall not be amplified or electronically enhanced.
   5. One (1) to two (2) Entertainers only.
   6. Ambient and acoustic music shall not be audible more than ten (10) feet from any portion of the exterior of the premises.

 FEES:

• $102 | Occasional Event Permit Fee

• $130 + 10% Admin Fee | Fire Safety Officer Spot Check Fee (if deemed necessary)

 Application and Forms

+OEP Application (Online Version)
+OEP Application (PDF)

+OEP Application for AirBnB/Short Term Rentals ONLY (PDF)
+Community Signature Survey 
+Occasional Event Permit Checklist
+Information on being a Special Event Vendor

Please email Site Plans and PDF Applications to SEF-Permits@longbeach.gov