Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: SHANTAE DUREN, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
DATE: AUGUST 12, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY
THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE END OF SUMMER
BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE EVENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider approving a request for a Parade Permit/Street Closure Application submitted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the Downey Collective for a special event scheduled for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The street closures that will be implemented beginning at 1:00 p.m. for the event are as follows: hard street closures on Downey Avenue at 2nd Street and 4th Street, and hard street closures on 3rd Street at New Street and Civic Center Drive. The street closures that will be implemented beginning at 5:00 p.m. for the Light Parade are as follows: hard street closures on Downey Avenue at 5th Street and 6th Street, and a soft street closure on Downey Avenue at La Villa Street.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve the Street Closure Permit for Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. to accommodate the “End of Summer Block Party and Parade” event taking place from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
BACKGROUND
The Downey Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that unites businesses within the community, assisting with networking, marketing, and ensuring economic vitality, while supporting the City with its business retention, expansion, and workforce development efforts.
The Chamber of Commerce has historically hosted multiple special events for the Downey community including the annual Downey Christmas Parade, the Downey Street Faire, and the Firecracker Festival. For the second year in a row, the Chamber of
DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION – END OF SUMMER
BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE EVENT
AUGUST 12, 2025
PAGE 2
Commerce planned to provide the community with an event dedicated to celebrating the Country’s Independence Day by hosting the Firecracker Festival and Light Parade, previously scheduled for June 28, 2025; however, the organization decided to postpone the event due to unforeseen circumstances. The Downey Chamber of Commerce is now planning to hold the rescheduled and reformatted event on Saturday, August 23, 2025, and they have re-named the event to the “End of Summer Block Party and Parade”.
ANALYSIS
On June 24, 2025, the City received a street closure request to close Downey Avenue from 2nd Street to 6th Street and to close 3rd Street from New Street to Civic Center Drive.
The closure will accommodate the End of Summer Block Party and Parade to celebrate the end of summer. The event will be a family-friendly festival that will include food trucks, an open-air vendor market, petting zoo, and kids’ zone, with the event festivities wrapping up with a Light Parade on Downey Avenue. The full event description and layout is included in this report as Attachment A.
The vendor booths will consist of merchandise and food vendors offering pre-packed food options while some will be cooking on-site. Vendors selling pre-package food and/or food cooked on-site will be required to provide health permits from the Los Angeles County Health Department. A stage is proposed to be located on Downey Avenue at 2nd street and will feature a disc jockey playing music from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. There is a possibility there will be a live band; however, nothing is confirmed at this time. The event will conclude with a light parade, which will include cars, bikes, and walking groups decorated in lights.
The following street closures will be closed to all traffic from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025, to accommodate the End of Summer Block Party. Two street closure types are used to implement the closing off of each street. The first, a Soft Closure, is one that is more easily moved in case of an emergency or to allow someone needed access to the location. These types of closures are implemented with either A-Frames or a parade barrier that staff can quickly move. The other type, Hard Closures, are implemented with either a Meridian barrier or a combination of City vehicles or other immoveable structures.
• Hard street closure on Downey Avenue at the intersections of 2nd and 4th Streets. • Hard street closure on 3rd Street at the intersections of New Street and Civic Center Dr.
Additionally, the following street closures will be closed to all traffic from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2025, to accommodate the Light Parade:
• Hard street closure on Downey Avenue at the intersections of 5th and 6th Streets.
DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION – END OF SUMMER
BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE EVENT
AUGUST 12, 2025
PAGE 3
• Soft street closure on Downey Avenue at La Villa Street.
The City’s Development Review Committee (DRC), which is made up of representatives from the Police, Fire, Public Works, and Community Development Departments, has reviewed the site layout proposed for the event and have provided standard conditions of approval to ensure the event will not cause adverse impacts on the health or safety of surrounding users. Those conditions include, but are not limited to, providing trash receptacles, portable restrooms, security guards, police officers, placement of road closure signs, approval from the Los Angeles County Health Department permits for food vendors, and assurance that the event site is to be restored to its previous state. Lastly, “No Parking” signs will be posted along Brookshire Avenue 72 hours in advance of the street closure. The full conditions of approval are included in this report as Attachment B.
The event organizers will be responsible for the complete set-up and breakdown of the event. As with all Special Use Permits, fees are required of the applicant to receive the required permits. Fees for this event are outlined in ‘Table 1’.
Table 1
Applicant: Downey Chamber of Commerce
Event: End of Summer Block Party and Parade; August 23, 2025 Applicable City Fees, Materials and Labor Costs
Department Estimated
Value Cost Details
1. Police Department $1,336*
The cost of Police Department
Personnel staffing the event
calculated at the current overtime
rates by rank.
2. Fire Department $240* Fire Special Event Permit Fee
Includes Inspection
3. Public Works Department –
Maintenance Division $ 4,714*
Estimated labor and materials
costs to provide Street Closure &
Traffic Control Services using City
staff, and resources.
4. Public Works Department –
Engineering Division $280* Encroachment Permit Fee
6. Planning Division $234 Special Event Permit Application Fee – Non-Profit Rate
7. Discounts/Waivers
$3,285
A 50% discount of up to $4,750 will
be applied per the City of Downey
Non-Profit Fee Waiver
DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION – END OF SUMMER
BLOCK PARTY AND PARADE EVENT
AUGUST 12, 2025
PAGE 4
At the July 23, 2024, City Council meeting, Council adopted the Fee Waiver, Table Sponsorship, Foursome Golf Voucher Donation, and Showmobile Use Policy for Non- Profit Organizations. Per this policy, there will be a deduction of 50%, up to $4,750, applied to all eligible fees, as specified in Section 2.A of the policy. The total amount of fees waived for this event equals $3,285. The City’s non-profit fee waiver is not applicable to the Planning Division’s special event permit application fee of $234 as this fee is already set to a discounted price specific to non-profit organizations.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Economic Vibrancy
Quality of Life, Safety & Infrastructure
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an estimated revenue increase in the amount of $3,519 that will be received for applicable City fees, materials, and staff labor costs as outlined in Table 1; the Downey Chamber of Commerce will be invoiced for these costs. Subsequently, revenues will be disbursed to the appropriate departmental revenue accounts.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Special Event Application Packet
Attachment B: Conditions of Approval
(Applicable to fees and services,
identified by an ‘*’)
TOTAL DUE: $3,519
Applicant would be responsible for
payment of all costs associated
with the event
*Final cost subject to final calculation of permit costs, labor, and materials expended
ATTACHMENT A
STREET CLOSURE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 8/4/2024
• Event: End of Summer Block Party and Parade
• Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
• Host: Downey Chamber of Commerce
Planning Division:
1. The applicant shall be responsible for all public notices for the event on the public right-of-way closures. The applicant shall coordinate with the Public Works Department to post no parking signs at a minimum of 72 hours in advance. Photographic evidence shall be provided via email of posted “No Parking” signs by City Staff upon the posting.
2. Door hanger notifications will be distributed to any residential home along the parade route, including but not limited to streets such as La Villa and 3rd St. at a minimum of 10 days prior to the date of the closure. The door hanger shall include contact information for the event organizer.
3. Any necessary Health Departemnt approvals required for the sale of food shall be obtrained prior to the start of the event. Copies of all Health Permits or any changes to permits must be submitted to the City two (2) Weeks before the event.
4. The event organizers would be responsible for the complete set-up and breakdown of the event. Set-up to commence at 1:00 p.m. and the removed by 11:00 p.m. on June 28, 2025.
5. During the event, organization member(s) shall walk around the premises to remove trash on the event site (including parking lots), the adjacent sidewalks, and neighborhoods. Trash bins shall be often emptied to avoid overflow and spillage onto City Streets and sidewalks.
6. The applicant shall provide fifteen (15) trash receptacles on the subject site, including surrounding parking areas.
7. Submit payment for a non-profit planning special event permit for the amount of: $234.00
8. Submit proof of authorization to use private properties shown on the site plan signed by the property owner.
ATTACHMENT B
1 Fire Department:
The following comments pertain to a fire review of a submitted design review plan(s). The comments contained herein shall not be construed as complete or encompassing all fire-life safety code requirements as set forth in local, State, and/or National codes. Failure to address the permit/EAP requirements requested below may result in future events being denied
1. Obtain a special event permit from City of Downey Fire Department. Permit shall be obtained through the Fire Prevention Bureau no later than seven (7) business days prior to event .
2. Obtain a tent permit from City of Downey Fire Department. Permit shall be obtained through the Fire Prevention Bureau no later than seven (7) business days prior to event. Tents, membrane structures, and canopies having an area in excess of 400 square feet shall require a separate tent permit.
3. Provide detail regarding the type, location, and number of traffic control barriers.
4. Provide an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to City of Downey Emergency Manager no later than 7 days prior to event.
5. Food trucks or any cooking related activity shall be maintained a minimum 10- feet away from buildings, other food trucks and vehicles in accordance with NFPA food truck safety requirements.
6. Tents/canopies shall comply with CA Fire Code, CA Code of Regulations, and State Fire Marshal for flame resistance standards of fabric. Tents shall not be located within 20 feet of parked vehicles, open flame or heating devices, combustion engines, and buildings.
7. Generators shall not be located within 10 feet of lot (property line) and 20 feet of tents/membrane structures. At time of permit application, submit an updated site map/plot plan indicating the location of and size of generators.
8. SFM-tagged 4A-20BC rated extinguisher shall be provided at the generator as per NFPA 10 and CA Fire Code.
2 9. All electrical cords shall be UL-listed and rated for heavy-duty, outdoor use and protected from physical damaged by cable bridges or other approved methods [CA Fire Code § 605.5].
10. Event shall not obstruct or impede egress from any other building or occupancy.
Police Department:
1. Two (2) police officers shall be contracted from the Downey Police Department to patrol the event from the hours of 4:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.
2. Seven (7) security guards shall provide roving security during the event hours.
3. Security Company shall be licensed and bonded.
4. Security guards shall be easily identifiable and the shirts shall not resemble the shirt/uniform of the Downey Police Officers. All security guards shall wear shirts with “SECURITY” written in large white letters on the front, back, and around arm sleeve bands. The security guards shall be unarmed.
5. Submit an updated security plan reflecting the police officer and security guard requirements set by the Downey Police Department.
Building Department:
1. Any food service shall be checked and approved by the County Health Department as part of the building department plan review process.
2. Temporary structures that cover an area greater than 120 square feet or used for the gathering of 10 or more persons require permits. The construction documents shall include a site plan indicating the location of the temporary structure and information delineating the means of egress and the occupant load. The temporary structure shall be located in accordance with the requirements of California Building Code Table 602 based on the fire- resistance rating of the exterior walls proposed type of construction (10 feet minimum from property line based on Type VB). Requests for permits shall be submitted to the Building Division 14 days prior to the special event.
a. Submit building permit application and stage plans and obtain building permit for stages/platforms over 30” above finished grade.
b. Obtain permit for Generators over 25 KW .
3. Temporary structures or facilities shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11B of the California Building Code. The site plan shall include a site accessibility
3 plan identifying exterior routes of travel and detailing running slope, cross slope, width, pedestrian ramp, curb ramps, handrails, signage, and truncated domes. Path of travel shall be provided from the public right of way and accessible parking to the building or facility. The design professional shall ensure that the site accessibility plan is in compliance with the latest Federal and State regulations.
Public Works Department:
1. Public Notifications – The applicant shall hand deliver public notifications to each resident and business within the special event or road closure parameters at least one week prior to the event/closure. Public notifications shall be submitted to Public Works for review/approval prior to distribution.
2. Traffic Control Plans – If utilizing an outside agency for the implementation of street closures:The applicant shall submit a Traffic Control Plan, including a detour plan, stamped by a Registered California Professional Engineer (PE) or Traffic Engineer (TE) to the City of Downey Engineering Division for review and approval prior to the event.
3. No Parking Sings – No Parking Signs shall be the City approved layout as shown in the Encroachment Permit Application. Signs may be printed at Zumar Industries in the City of Downey (562-941-4633) or at a vendor of the owner/applicant’s choosing. No Parking Signs must be posted at 50’ increments a minimum of 72 hours prior to start of work. once posted, the owner/applicant shall submit photographs with a date and time stamp to [email protected]. No Parking zones shall be designated on the Traffic Control Plans.
4. Advanced Warning Signs – The applicant shall provide the necessary Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public of the road closures at least three (3) days prior to the event. Signs shall display the limits of the closure, beginning and end dates of the closure, and statement advising motorists to seek alternate routes during said closure. CMS board locations shall be shown on the Traffic Control Plans and be placed a maximum of 1000’ away from the closure.
5. Open Sidewalk Access – All sidewalks shall remain clear at all times to allow pedestrian access. If sidewalks must be closed due to the event or closures, proper pedestrian detour signs must be posted in compliance with CAMUTCD and shown on the Traffic Control Plans.
6. Encroachment Permit – The Traffic Control company placing the Traffic Control shall pull an Encroachment permit with the City of Downey Engineering Division at least one week prior to the event. Traffic Control Company shall submit the approved Traffic Control Plan along with the necessary documents
4 needed to pull the encroachment permit. A fee of $280 shall be paid to the City prior to the issuance of the encroachment permit.
7. Coordination with Transit – The owner/applicant shall coordinate with all transit providers that will be impacted by the closure to temporarily relocate their routes and stops during the impacted timeframe.
8. NPDES Compliance – The owner/applicant shall comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act; the General Construction Activities Stormwater Permit (GCASP) of the State Water Resources Control Board; and Ordinance 1142 of the Downey Municipal Code (DMC).
a. Street maintenance by water hosing method shall be prohibited at all times (refer to Attachment A: Best Management Practice). It shall be the responsibility of the owner/applicant to maintain the street area free from debris during the duration of the street closure.
9. Waste Facilities – The event shall provide sufficient trash and recycling receptacles for the disposal of food and debris at the event. The owner/applicant is responsible for ensuring all trash is removed after the event has ended and that the area is returned to its original condition.
City of Downey
Storm Water Pollution Control Requirements for Construction Activities
Minimum Water Quality Protection Requirements for All Development Construction Projects/Certification Statement
The following is intended as an attachment for construction and grading plans and represent the minimum standards of good housekeeping which must be implemented on all construction sites regardless of size.
☐ Eroded sediments and other pollutants must be retained on site and may not be transported from the site via sheetflow, swales, area drains, natural drainage courses or wind.
☐ Stockpiles of earth and other construction related materials must be protected from being transported from the site by the forces of wind or water. ☐ Fuels, oils, solvents and other toxic materials must be stored in accordance with their listing and are not to contaminate the soil and surface waters. All approved storage containers are to be protected from the weather. Spills must be cleaned up immediately and disposed of in a proper manner. Spills may not be washed into the drainage system.
☐ Non-storm water runoff from equipment and vehicle washing and any other activity shall be contained at the project site.
☐ Excess or waste concrete may not be washed into the public way or any other drainage system. Provisions shall be made to retain concrete wastes on site until they can be disposed of as solid waste.
☐ Trash and construction related solid wastes must be deposited into a covered receptacle to prevent contamination of rainwater and dispersal by wind. ☐ Sediments and other materials may not be tracked from the site by vehicle traffic. The construction entrance roadways must be stabilized so as to inhibit sediments from being deposited into the public way. Accidental depositions must be swept up immediately and may not be washed down by rain or other means. ☐ Any slopes with disturbed soils or denuded of vegetation must be stabilized so as to inhibit erosion by wind and water.
☐ Other _____________________________________________________________
As the project owner or authorized agent of the owner, I have read and understand the requirements listed above, necessary to control storm water pollution from sediments, erosion, and construction materials, and I certify that I will comply with these requirements.
Project Name: _________________________________________________________ Project Address: _______________________________________________________
Print Name ______________________________________
(Owner or authorized agent of the owner)
Signature _____________________________________ Date __________________
(Owner or authorized agent of the owner)