Special Community Events Permit

Do I need a permit to hold my community event?

You must apply for a special community events permit if your event meets the following criteria:

  1. Your event will be open to the public; 
  2. Your event will be held on public streets/alley or public property, such as parks; and 
  3. Your event will be held on private property that is not consistent with the property’s zoning classification, or that may cause traffic, parking, noise or other impacts on neighboring properties.

Examples of special events that require this permit but are not limited to: craft fairs, festivals, ceremonies, foot races, bicycle events, carnivals, food trucks events, and farmers’ markets.

Permit Guide and Application

Not sure if your event requires a permit?

Visit the Public Works counter at City Hall, call us at (650) 522-7332 or send us an email to
specialeventspermits@cityofsanmateo.org with any questions you have.

What is the application process?

The permit application begins when the Event Organizer submits a completed Special Community Events Permit Application and the Non-Refundable Permit Fee (see Permit Guide for fees). Please keep in mind that acceptance of your application does not mean the event has been or will be approved. 

  • Applications must be submitted no later than 90 days in advance for new events, and no later than 45 days in advance for previously held events.
  • Applications can be submitted up to a year in advance of the event date.

Your application and other materials can be submitted by email, mail or dropped off in person: 

San Mateo City Hall - Atrium Counter
330 W. 20th Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94403
Driving Directions

Once your application is received, a Special Community Events Committee member will contact you for any additional information or to schedule a meeting if this is a first time event. See the Special Community Events Permit Guide for more information on the process.

What are the permit fees?

Application Fee

  • View our Fee Schedule for permit application fees.
  • Application fees for events sponsored by non-profits are subject to change annually.
  • Our non-refundable application fees are due at the time the application is submitted.
  • NOTE: Events sponsored by commercial businesses or for-profit organizations must post a $1,000 application fee for staff costs.

Other Fees

  • Depending upon the nature of the event, the permit applicant will be billed for any costs for City services such as Police, Fire, Public Works, etc. that are needed to directly support their event.
  • Events held in parks may also be charged a facility use charge. 

Are any other types of permit required?

  • Food and/or alcoholic beverages: Under certain conditions permits from other agencies such as San Mateo County Health, Alcohol Beverage Control, etc. will be required if your event will include cooking food or selling alcoholic beverages. 
  • Providing services or selling goods: Any vendors providing services or selling goods at your event are required to have an active City of San Mateo Business License.

San Mateo Municipal Code

It is the purpose of the Chapter 17.34 SPECIAL EVENTS code to provide for the issuance of special community events permits to regulate events on the public streets and public property of the City, as well as specified events on private property that affect public streets and public property; and to provide for fees, charges and procedures required to administer the permit process.