Item No. 6.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:BEVERLY CALERO, MANAGEMENT ANALYST
DATE:APRIL 14, 2026
SUBJECT:APPROVAL OF A STREET CLOSURE APPLICATION REQUEST BY THE DOWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE 32ND ANNUAL DOWNEY STREET FAIRE EVENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider a request for a Street Closure submitted by the Downey Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) for the 32nd Annual Downey Street Faire scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The street closures, which will be implement beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 11:00 p.m., are as follows:
hard street closures at Firestone Blvd. & Brookshire Ave. (north side only) and 5th St. & Brookshire Ave. (south side only). In addition, soft street closures will be in effect during the event on Brookshire Ave. at 2nd St. & Civic Center Dr.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve the Street Closure Permit for Saturday, May 9, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. to accommodate the “32nd Annual Downey Street Faire” taking place from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
BACKGROUND
For the past 31 years the Chamber of Commerce has hosted the Downey Street Faire on Brookshire Avenue, between Firestone Blvd. and 5th St. The annual street faire is a family-friendly event featuring food, shopping, entertainment, and activities for all ages. This year, the Chamber proposes to host the Street Faire on Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
ANALYSIS
On March 2, 2026, the City received a street closure request to accommodate the 32nd Annual Downey Street Faire. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, and will begin at 1:00 p.m. and is to conclude at 8:00 p.m.
The annual event is family-friendly and will include vendor booths, food trucks, a kids' fun zone featuring a variety of inflatables, a petting zoo, a live entertainment stage, and a car show at the Downey High school parking lot.
The vendor booths will consist of merchandise vendors and food vendors offering both pre-packaged and cooked on-site food options. All food vendors will be required to provide health permits from the Los Angeles County Health Department. The applicant has requested the use of the show mobile for this year ’s street faire resulting in two stages for live entertainment.
Table 1
Applicant: Downey Chamber of Commerce
Event: 32nd Annual Downey Street Faire; May 09, 2026
Applicable City Fees, Materials and Labor Costs
Department Estimated Value Amount Waived Cost Details
1. Police Department $3,000*$1,500*
The cost of Police
Department Personnel
staffing the event
calculated at the
current overtime rates
by rank.
The first music stage is proposed to be located at 3rd St. and Brookshire Ave. and will feature live musical performances from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and a disc jockey throughout the event time. The second stage is proposed to be located at Civic Center Dr. and Brookshire Ave. and will feature group performances from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The following street closures will be closed to all traffic from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on May 9, 2026:
Hard street closure on Brookshire Ave., north of Firestone Blvd.
Hard street closure on Brookshire Ave., south of 5th St.
Soft street closure on Brookshire Ave. at 2nd St.
Soft street closure on Brookshire Ave. at Civic Center Dr.
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 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’.
2. Fire Department $240*$120*
Fire Special Event
Permit Fee
Includes Inspection
3. Public Works Department
– Maintenance Division $2,621*$2,621*
Estimated labor and
materials costs to
provide Street Closure
& Traffic Control
Services using City
staff, and resources.
4. Public Works Department
– Engineering Division $280*$140*Encroachment Permit
Fee
5. Building & Safety Division N/A N/A Permits and Special Inspection
6. Planning Division $241 $0
Special Event Permit
Application Fee –
Non-Profit Rate
7. Processing Fee $300*$150*Special Event
Processing Fee
Total $6,682 $4,531
Total Amount to be Paid by
the Downey Chamber of
Commerce (Difference)
$2,151
*Final cost subject to final calculation of permit costs, labor, and materials expended
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 to $1,910. The City’s non-profit fee waiver is not applicable to the Planning Division’s special event permit application fee of $241 as this fee is set to a discounted price specific to non-profit organizations.
On January 27, 2026 the City of Downey entered into a partnership with the Downey Chamber of Commerce, a California non-profit corporation, subject to the approval by the Downey City Council, the City will waive Special Event Street Closure fees, which totals $2,621 for this event.
The Total Amount to be Paid by the Chamber is $2,151 after a $4,531 waiver in Fees.
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 $2,151 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: Downey Street Faire 2026
Attachment B: Conditions of Approval - Street Faire 2026
STREET CLOSURE CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL: 4/14/2024
• Event: 32nd Downey Street Faire
• Date: Saturday, May 9th, 2026
• Host: Downey Chamber of Commerce
Planning Division:
1. Submit payment for a non-profit planning special event permit for the amount of: $241.00
2. The event organizers will be responsible for the complete setup starting no earlier than 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Site breakdown and cleanup must be completed by 10:00 p.m. on the same day.
3. The applicant is responsible for all public notices regarding the event's public right-of-way closures. The applicant shall coordinate with the Public Works Department to ensure 'No Parking' signs are posted at least 72 hours beforehand. Photographic proof of the posted signs must be emailed to City Staff.
4. Any necessary Health Department approvals required for the sale of food shall be obtained 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.
5. The sale of alcoholic beverages for the event is prohibited at all times.
6. The applicant shall provide fifteen (15) trash receptacles on the subject site, including surrounding parking areas.
7. During the event, organized members shall patrol the premises to remove trash from the event site, including parking lots, nearby sidewalks, and neighborhoods. Trash bins shall be emptied frequently to prevent overflow and spillage onto City Streets and sidewalks.
8. Submit documentation verifying authorization for the usage of any private properties, signed by the property owner.
9. All luminated lights and flashes emitted by the event shall be directed in a way that does not create any distractions for the vehicle along the entrance and exit along Firestone.
Fire Department:
Fire’s comments for the 32nd Annual Downey Street Faire (SE), Brookshire Ave at Firestone Blvd (Chamber of Commerce):
1 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.
1. Obtain a special event permit from the City of Downey Fire Department. A permit shall be obtained through the Fire Prevention Bureau no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event.
2. Obtain a tent permit from the City of Downey Fire Department. A permit shall be obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event. Tents, membrane structures, and canopies having an area in excess of 400 square feet shall require a separate tent permit
3. Provide details regarding the type, location, and number of traffic control barriers.
4. Email the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) to the City of Downey Emergency Manager no later than 7 days prior to the event ([email protected]).
5. Food trucks or any cooking-related activity shall be maintained a minimum of 10 feet away from buildings, other food trucks, and vehicles in accordance with NFPA food truck safety requirements.
6. Tents/canopies shall comply with the CA Fire Code, the CA Code of Regulations, and the 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, or buildings.
7. Generators shall not be located within 10 feet of the lot (property line) and 20 feet of tents/membrane structures. At the 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.
9. All electrical cords shall be UL-listed and rated for heavy-duty, outdoor use and protected from physical damage 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. Four (4) police officers shall be contracted from the Downey Police Department to patrol the event from the hours of 1:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.
2. Security Company shall be licensed and bonded.
2 3. 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.
Building Department:
1. If any generators 25kw and over are utilized, the applicant shall be responsible for obtaining permits from the Building & Safety Division. The location of generators shall be subject to review and approval by the building inspector. Generators shall be properly grounded and not be located within 10 feet of the lot (property line) and 20 feet of tents/membrane structures.
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 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.
3. Stages require permits and shall be designed and constructed per Section 410 of the California Building Code. The documents shall include a site plan indicating the location of the stage and information delineating the means of egress and the occupant load. The stage 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). Temporary Stages shall meet all required structural, egress and accessibility regulations as prescribed by the CBC. Provide stage manufacturer engineering specifications required for scheduled inspection to verify all necessary components and materials.
4. In the event a temporary structure or facility is used, it shall meet the requirements of Chapter 11B of the California Building Code. The site plan shall include a site accessibility 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/facility and the accessible restrooms. The design professional shall ensure that the site accessibility plan is in compliance with the latest Federal and State regulations.
3 Public Works Department:
1. Public Notifications – The owner/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 – The City of Downey has designated three (3) pre-approved locations for special events and street closures. Should the proposed event fall within the parameters of one of the pre-approved locations, the owner/applicant shall utilize the pre-approved Traffic Control Plan on file with the City of Downey for this location. The Traffic Control Plan shall be implemented by a licensed contractor and adhere to the CAMUTCD.
If the event or closure will extend beyond the parameters of one of the pre-approved locations, the owner/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 owner/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 needed to pull the encroachment permit. Note that all traffic signals that are within the road closure limits shall be placed on red flash. The owner/applicant shall coordinate with the Public Works Department on traffic signal modifications. A fee of $280 shall be paid to the City Manager’s office 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.
4 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.