The information provided below will help you through the approval process for your special event in the City of Beverly Hills. Links to permit information or applications are noted below.

WHAT IS A SPECIAL EVENT?

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.  Section 4-8-1 of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code outlines when a Special Event Permit is required. 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

 To submit a special event permit application, please click here.

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, BUT some permits may still be required (valet permits, tent or building permits, electrical permits for generators, charitable solicitations permit [for fundraising activities], etc. – SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS and a Residential Special Event Checklist).

EVENTS WITH THE CITY OF BEVERLY HILLS

To submit requirements for producing an event with the City, please click here.

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)

• Public Assembly Permit may be required. (Fire 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 (and 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)

• Public Assembly Permit may be required. See document for more details. (Fire 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: cbh-eventpermits@beverlyhills.org 

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