One-time, annual or recurring events using Courthouse Square, the grounds of City Hall, Comstock Mall, Jeju Way and other Civic Sites located in Downtown Santa Rosa, beyond the normal pattern of use, require a Civic Site Permit. Please review Council Policy 000-09 "Event Permits" for all requirements and restrictions.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Fill out a Special Event Permit application at least 30 days before but no more than one year in advance of your event, and submit with the $50 application fee online. The online system will require you to create a login. Once logged in, click on "Apply for a Special Event, Filming..." under the Recreation & Parks section. Then select "Special Event Permit" as the record type. You may save, close and return to your application as many times as needed before submitting. If you are unable to submit the application online, please use the paper application (PDF).
2. Staff will review application and contact applicant within 15 days.
3. A pre-event meeting may be required to establish conditions of use, other required permits and any additional fees for City services, such as police, fire, traffic control plan and parking.
4. Applicant must fulfill all permits requirements and pay any additional fees and/or deposits. In addition to the non-refundable application fee of $50, the following permit fees will be added to your approved permit: $50/day for Civic Sites except Courthouse Square.

Permit Requirements

Insurance: General Liability Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 is required for all events permitted through a Civic Site Permit. The City of Santa Rosa, Its officers, agents, employees and volunteers must be listed as "Additional Insured" on the corresponding Endorsement page. Please note that the insurance certificate will not be accepted without the endorsement page and exact wording shown above. Special Event insurance is available for purchase through this on-line service. For more information on purchasing Special Event insurance through the City of Santa Rosa, please contact Mirella Stevens at (707) 543-3024 or [email protected].

Other Permits: The following additional permits may be required for some events

• Amplified Sound Permits are free for non-commercial use ($5 for commercial use) and are issued by the Police Department. If your event is in a residential neighborhood, neighborhood signatures will be required.
• Fire Department Permits are issued for propane use, tents/canopies and special event/public assembly.
• Santa Rosa Business Tax Certificates are licenses required for vendors conducting business in the City of Santa Rosa.
• Health Department Permits for food safety are issued by the Sonoma County Department of Health Services.
• Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licenses are required for events serving/selling alcohol.

Courthouse Square Frequently Asked Questions

When is a permit required?

A Civic Site Permit is required for any organized activity if:

1. It may impact other users, rendering the site unavailable for routine use
2. Alcohol sales and/or consumption may occur
3. Business will be conducted
4. Event equipment, including stages, booths or tents will be placed on the site
5. Portable toilets and additional dumpsters are necessary and will be placed on site