ABOUT OCCASIONAL EVENTS

"Entertainment activity" means any activity conducted for the primary purpose of diverting or entertaining a clientele in a premises open to the general public. Such activity shall include, but shall not be limited to, dancing, whether by performers or patrons of the establishment, live musical performances, instrumental or vocal, when carried on by more than two (2) persons or whenever amplified; musical entertainment provided by a disc jockey or karaoke, or any similar entertainment activity involving amplified, reproduced music.

Instances in which an Occasional Event Permit IS required:

1. 1. Business does not have an annual entertainment license.
   2. The presence of amplified entertainment or music intended as a feature of your event (as opposed to ambient music, played in the background–like grocery story music)
   3. DJs are considered featured amplified entertainment intended to entertain.
   4. The presence of three (3) or more entertainers.
   5. Short Term Rental (STR) Applicant looking to hold an event on property that may exceed occupancy rates.

Instances in which an Occasional Event Permit CANNOT be issued:

1. 1. Applicant or property owner doesn’t have a valid and current business license.
   2. Located at a private residence (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. If certain existing conditions issued by Planning, Business Licensing, or Long Beach Fire prohibit an event from taking place safely.

Instances in which an Occasional Event Permit might not be required:

1. 1. One (1) to two (2) acoustic performers only.
   2. The presence of Ambient, Acoustic, or Background music NOT intended as featured entertainment – think of ambient background music as music playing from a phone or preprogrammed unmanned playlist, like you hear in the background while shopping at a grocery store.
      • DJs are NOT considered ambient entertainment.
      • Acoustic music shall NOT be amplified or electronically enhanced.
      • Ambient and acoustic music must NOT be audible more than ten (10) feet from any portion of the exterior of the premises.

ACTIVE BUSINESS LICENSE

All applicants (including non-profits) and participating event vendors must provide a fully processed ACTIVE business license in good standing with the City of Long Beach. For more information on Business Licensing call (562) 570-6211.

SITE MAP

Everyone must submit a detailed diagram indicating location of entertainment, emergency exits, location of alcohol, location of security, etc. The operator must exhibit an understanding that all exits must remain clear and unblocked by event activities. Please submit this to SEF-Permits@longbeach.gov with the name of your event in the Subject Line.

PERMISSION LETTER OF USE + OCCUPANCY RATING

If event is being held on property other than your own, we will need proof of permission from property owner and the space's approved occupancy rating. Due to certain specific circumstances, usually related to alcohol requirements and/or fire codes, Long Beach Fire Safety Officer may conduct a Safety Spot Check or city staff may be required to staff your event.

SERVING/SELLING FOOD

If your event is serving food & your venue is not licensed to serve food, you will need a Health Permit. Please fill out an Organizer Permit Application & TFF Food Permit Application and email to Janice.Garcia@longbeach.gov or go to the Temporary Food Facilities page for more info. As of Dec 2021, all retail vendors (including Food Trucks) must have a Long Beach business license to operate. For more info, contact Business Licensing at 562-570-6211.

ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL (ABC) LICENSE

If you are serving alcohol, please call ABC Licensing for a permit (562) 982-1337. *Please make sure the name of your Event is on your ABC application and matches your Event application.

PRIVATE PATROL OFFICER + SECURITY INFO

Security will be needed if you are serving alcohol to verify IDs. Please indicate security company, PPO#, contact information, and where they will be stationed on site map. Your PPO company must have a valid Long Beach Business License.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

In some cases, based on the footprint of the event, a community signature survey may be required with an approval rating of 80% of the impacted residents/businesses within a radius of your event venue. Impacted area shall be determined by the Office of Special Events and Filming.

AIRBnBs/SHORT TERM RENTALS:

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

MOBILE FOOD FACILITY (MFF) EVENT PERMIT:

A Mobile Food Facility (MFF) Event Permit is required for Food Trucks gathering on Private Property. Events can occur up to 3 consecutive days, with 15 days between each event application. Should an event have live entertainment, the event must apply as an Occaisonal Event Permit, but event is limited to one day, with 10 days in between each occurance. For latest on the latest Mobile Food Facility Ordinance, visit Community Development.

STAGE AND TRUSS

Any event with a stage over 3ft and a truss over 12ft must be ADA compliant, and must provide plans to Building and Planning Department for approval.

FEES:

$102
Occasional Event Permit Fee

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

Application and Forms:

Occasional Event Application
(Online App) Occasional Event Application
(PDF)

OEP Application (Online Version)
OEP Application (PDF)

OEP Application for AirBnB/Short Term Rentals ONLY (PDF)
OEP MFF Event Application
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

Does your event affect public property?Apply for a Special Event Permit.