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Special Events

Welcome to the City's Special Events Division. Special events may include but are not limited to grand openings, fundraisers, store openings, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, receptions, premieres, fundraisers, festivals, carnivals, run/walks, or a party related to an awards program such as the Academy Awards.  A special event can be private or open to the public and held on private and/or public property. Per City policy, a special event may not last for longer than 30 days' time. Planning a special event typically involves a significant amount of lead-time. A special event permit may be required based upon the presence of the following elements:

  • Serving of food/alcohol
  • Erecting of tent/canopy
  • Special lighting
  • Generator
  • Valet parking
  • Street closure/use of public right-of-way
  • Presence of press/media/celebrities
  • Live entertainment/music
  • Presence of animals or any horse-drawn vehicles
  • Fundraising activity

Explore our website for valuable resources and information.

FREQUENTLY USED RESOURCES


 PRIVATE PARTIES

Generally, a "special event permit" is not required for events held in hotels with banquet/meeting room facilities or private parties on residential properties, however, some permits may still be required (valet permits, tent or building permits, electrical permits for generators, charitable solicitations permit [for fundraising activities], etc. 


LARGE SCALE EVENTS WITH THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS

Prior to the completion of an event application for large scale events, we ask that a written proposal include the following:

  1. Type and name of organization hosting the event
  2. Type of event
    • Include draft program schedule
    • Note: if this event is a fundraiser please include non-profit beneficiary
  3. Dates and hours for the event
  4. Location of the event
  5. Total overall budget (funding & expenses) associated with the event
  6. Letter of support from the local Beverly Hills community and/or groups (3-5 letters)
  7. Expected number of attendees
  8. Target demographic for event
  9. Explain the public benefit of the event (Must meet one or more of the following criteria):
    • Boosts tourism by attracting residents and visitors the City
    • Provides an opportunity for community engagement
    • Contributes positively to the recognition and image of the City
  10. Name notable attendees connected to the event; board of directors, etc.
  11. Describe whether this event will be public and/or ticketed or invitation/private
  12. Describe how publicity/marketing will be managed
  13. Permits requested for the event
    • If a street closure is required, provide associated schematics
  14. Impact to the City as it relates to traffic, noise, and parking
  15. City request as it relates to in-kind services, funding, additional city space and/or production of the event

It should be noted, that requests for City and City-agreed upon free use sites for consideration at various venues are historically viewed as a ‘gift of public funds’ to nonprofit and/or local community groups in Beverly Hills. These local organizations and/or groups are deemed as providing programs that are considered a public benefit to the community. Any for-profit organizations under the current process would not qualify for free use of City space.

And finally, please note that once all this information has been provided then we have multiple steps that take place for a street closure, use of public or City space, or any other special consideration:

A special event application will need to be filed, and all permit processes completed; you also will be scheduled to provide a presentation to the City Council liaisons (two Councilmembers), and should they approve, presenting to the larger City Council group for formal consideration.

The recommended timeframe to complete these steps is minimum six months. Please provide your written proposal as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact:

Special Events & Filming Office
310-285-2408
eventpermits@beverlyhills.org

 


WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

The information we need from you depends on your event but the following are some of the things we look for on special event projects:

  • A formal written request, which includes a conceptual plan, map or route.
  • Three sets of plans that include a site-plot showing the layout of the event with respect to nearby streets and buildings and structural details that includes size, height and method of attachments.
  • Proof of consensus from affected business that they support the event.
  • Certificate of insurance, which includes the City of Beverly Hills, listed as additionally insured.
  • Information on the size of electrical loads.

 

PERMITS YOU MAY NEED

COMMERCIAL Special Event - PERMITS

Although each event is different, here is a list of permits and/or approvals typically required from different departments:

  • Special event permit may involve gaining approval from the City Council and ensuring that adequate city resources are available. Depending on the complexity of the project, police, fire and public works personnel may be required to supervise the setup, tear down and the event itself. (Film & Special Event Office)
  • Building or tent permit if the event involves setting up tents, grandstands, bleachers, stages or other temporary structures. (Fire Department / Building and Safety)
  • Electrical Permit if the temporary structures require wiring, lighting fixtures or a generator. (Building and Safety)
  • Public Right-Of-Way Use Permit if the event will require the use of the sidewalk, curb lane or street right-of-way for the event. A street closure requires approval from City Council and will incur additional fees.  (Civil Engineering) *
  • Heavy Haul Permit if vehicles that exceed 6000 lbs. gross vehicle weight are used to haul materials or equipment for the event (e.g., truck or crane carrying lifts, power generator, furniture or lighting equipment, etc.) (Civil Engineering) *
  • Valet permit may be required for a single event in a residential or commercial area of the City; the valet company you hire needs to be a company that is authorized to work in the City of Beverly Hills and must obtain the permit directly from the City. (Police Department)
  • A Charitable Solicitations Permit is required for any fundraising event or activity for charitable purpose in the City of Beverly Hills. Failure to apply for a permit could subject your organization to fines or penalties. (Police Department)
Residential Special Event - CHECKLIST /potential permits

Although a special event permit is not normally required, some of the permits noted below may be necessary. The link below provides a checklist to assist you with your preparations for a special event within Beverly Hills.

  • Building or tent permit if the event involves setting up tents, grandstands, bleachers, stages or other temporary structures. (Fire Department / Building and Safety).
  • Electrical permit if the temporary structures require wiring, lighting fixtures or a generator. (Building and Safety).
  • Valet permit may be required for a single event in a residential or commercial area of the City; the valet company you hire needs to be a company that is authorized to work in the City of Beverly Hills and must obtain the permit directly from the City. (Police Department)
  • A Charitable Solicitations Permit is required for any fundraising event or activity for charitable purpose in the City of Beverly Hills. Failure to apply for a permit could subject your organization to fines or penalties. (Police Department)
  • City's Noise Ordinance - the link to the City's Noise Ordinance is for your information only. There is no permit that allows for extended hours for "activities that create noise." All activities are required to abide by the City's laws and regulations (see Beverly Hills Municipal Code 5-1-104 for General Standards Relative to Disturbance of Peace).
  • A Neighborhood Block Party Permit - is required for block parties in your neighborhood. Event coordinators are required to complete a separate Block Party Application at least one month prior to the planned event. Visit www.beverlyhills.org/BlockParty for Block Party Guidelines and additional information. (Film & Special Event Office)

 

Please Note: To obtain Public Right-Of-Way Use or Heavy Haul permits, one must apply in person at the City Hall Permit Center Office, located at 455 North Rexford Drive. Permit applicants (except Moving Van permit in which one needs to apply for it 72 hours in advance prior to actual moving date.) will be required to supply valid insurance certificates indicating general liability coverage of $1 million ($2 million for new construction) and auto liability coverages of up to $2 million. If either of these permits are issued in conjunction with a filming, still photography or special event permit, the Filming and Special Events office will coordinate with the appropriate permit office; separate applications will be unnecessary.

 


 

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

The review of special events' plans ensures that an event will take place in an orderly manner with a minimum of disruption to residents and businesses. Special events often involve overcrowding, temporary structures, outsized decorations, candles, blocking of exits and streets - all potential safety hazards. Event setups may require inspections to make sure they are installed according to plan. If these events were allowed to proceed with no regulation or oversight, it could be chaotic and even dangerous.

To start on this permit process, please first contact:

Community Development - Filming and Special Events
Phone: (310) 285-2408
Email: eventpermits@beverlyhills.org 

Hours of Operation: Mondays -Thursdays from 8:30am - 5:30pm and Fridays from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

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  • 455 North Rexford Dr
    Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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  • (310) 285-1000
  • Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-5:30PM
  • Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM

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