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August 11, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Council Policy: Consider Revising, Renaming and Adopting Council Policy on Special Events Report Number: 26-0270
Location: No specific geographic location
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3), no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution revising Council Policy 102-07 City of Chula Vista Special Events Policy.
SUMMARY
On July 28, 2026, the City Council received a presentation regarding City Council referrals related to special events and associated policies. Following discussion, City Council directed staff to return with amendments to Council Policy 102-07, incorporating direction given at the meeting. The Council further directed that the proposed amendments return for consideration on August 11, 2026, with implementation occurring as soon as administratively feasible following Council action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance wit h the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
This determination is predicated on State CEQA Guidelines Section 15004 which provides direction to lead agencies on the appropriate timing for environmental review. The future special events resulting from implementation of Council Policy 102-07 may require environmental review and preparation of appropriate P a g e | 2
documentation in accordance with applicable state requirements, including CEQA and applicable provisions of the City Municipal Code.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
On July 28, 2026, the City Council received a presentation regarding multiple City Council referrals related to special events and associated policies (26-0240). Following discussion, the City Council directed staff to return with amendments to Council Policy 102 -07 incorporating direction given at the meeting, inclu ding but not limited to, clarifying that the City Manager's Office will serve as the central point of administrative coordination for Signature and Civic Events. The Council further directed that the proposed amendments return for consideration on August 1 1, 2026, with implementation occurring as soon as administratively feasible following Council action.
Council Policy 102-07 has been updated to reflect Council direction expanding the event category framework to improve consistency, transparency, resource planning, risk management, and alignment with City priorities. Additionally, the policy name has been updated, and roles and responsibilities along with general guidance have been expanded to provide clear guidance to internal and external stakeholders leading special events.
This policy recognizes eight categories of special events, expanding from the previous two identified in this policy
1. Signature - City-owned, City-produced flagship events funded primarily through City controlled funds to highlight Chula Vista’s cultural identity and community engagement priorities. Requires City Council designation by majority vote or 4/5 vote if new appropriations are required (per the standard budget amendment process).
2. Civic - City-led or coordinated events funded primarily through City controlled funds to support civic functions, public recognition, or intergovernmental partnerships.
3. Department - Events produced independently by City departments, through the City Manager’s Office, to support departmental missions or programs. Departments plan, staff, fund, and brand these events using approved logos.
4. Partnered - Events collaboratively planned, funded, and delivered by the City and one or more external organizations through a shared commitment of resources, responsibilities, and decision -making.
Partnered Events advance a mutually beneficial public purpose that aligns with the City’s strategic priorities and the partner organization’s mission.
5. Sponsored - Externally produced events that provide community benefit and may receive up to $10,000 in City financial support at the discretion of the City Manager. Support in excess of $10,000 may be authorized at the discretion of the City Council. The City does not manage operations or planning.
6. Supported - Externally produced events that may receive limited in -kind City services or logistical assistance, based on staff availability and City resource capacity.
7. Endorsed Events - Externally produced and funded events that receive formal City recognition only — no financial, staff, or operational support. May receive proclamations or letters of support.
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8. Permitted - Events requiring a City-issued permit to occur on public property or within the public right of way. Receiving a permit does not constitute sponsorship or support. Event organizers are responsible for compliance with codes, safety requirements, insurance, and operations.
Signature, Civic, Department and Partnered Events may be funded through a combination of City-controlled funds and donations.
At Council's direction, staff have prepared these changes for expedited implementation. Staff recommends that the policy become effective immediately upon adoption, with the exception of provisions affecting City Manager’s responsibilities at Signature events. Staff requests that Sign ature events be fully transitioned to the City Manager’s Office ef fective October 1, 2026, to provide staff adequate time to transition existing events and complete necessary planning arrangements under the updated policy. Staff recommends that Signature events held from adoption to October 1, 2026 be produced jointly with the Mayor’s Office. For this interim period , staff recommends that the City Manager’s Office be responsible for communications and providing additional day -of event support , with the Mayor’s Office maintaining responsibility for all other event logistics, including but not limited to scheduling of talent, vendor coordination, permits, décor, restroom, and audio/visual equipment.
In addition to the amendments to Council Policy 102 -07, staff will develop a companion Events Protocol Guidebook to provide clear guidance for City-hosted events involving elected officials . Th e forthcoming guidebook will establish standards of protocol to ensure consistency across events, activities, programs, and services. The guidebook will only apply to City-hosted events; for events not hosted by the City, the policy will serve as a guideline for preferred protocol.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the decision contemplated by this action and has determined that it is not site-specific and consequently, the real property holdings of the City Council members do not create a disqualifying real property-related financial conflict of interest under the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov't Code § 87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been informed by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated current-year fiscal impact as a result of the proposed changes to the policy. Staff will return to Council if additional appropriations are needed to support any changes proposed in this policy.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
There is no anticipated ongoing fiscal impact as a result of the proposed changes to the policy. Funding for City led special events in subsequent fiscal years will be considered as part of the annual budget development process.
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ATTACHMENTS
1. Council Policy 102-07 (Adopted 5/5/15)
2. Draft Redline Council Policy 102-07 (8/11/26)
3. Draft Clean Council Policy 102-07 (8/11/26)
Staff Contact: Courtney Chase, Deputy City Manager