RESOLUTION NO 26.XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING LOCATIONS
WHERE SPECIAL EVENTS ARE ALLOWED AND RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING SPECIAL EVENTS; AND
FINDING THE ACTION CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM
THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
PURSUANT TO STATE CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304
WHEREAS, the City of Laguna Beach, California (“City”) is a municipal corporation, duly organized under the California Constitution and laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the police powers delegated to it by the California Constitution, the City has the authority to enact laws and regulations which promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, on May 16, 2023, the City Council directed staff to develop a special event permit process to authorize private events at Aliso Beach and other South Laguna Beaches as needed; and
WHEREAS, on January 27, 2026, the City Council considered the limitations on special events within the City; and
WHEREAS, on April 14, 2026, the City Council considered the limitations on special events within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish where special events are allowed and the rules and regulations governing special events; and WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH DOES RESOLVE:
SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by this reference.
13 -2- Reso. #26.XXX
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves special events at the locations identified in Exhibit A, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby establishes rules and regulations governing special events as set forth in Exhibit B, which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 4. The City Council hereby makes the following findings with respect to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). This action is exempt from the requirements of the CEQA pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land, Class 4) which exempts minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry and agricultural purposes.
Examples include but are not limited to minor temporary use of land having negligible or no permanent effects on the environment, including carnivals, sales of Christmas trees, etc. (14 CCR Section 15304(e).) Here, this action will allow people to use portions of the City’s parks and beaches for special events for a temporary period of time subject to rules and regulations of the City. This action does not authorize permanent infrastructure and merely creates an administrative system to allow persons to coordinate use of the beach and parks. Therefore, this action falls within the minor alterations to land exemption.
None of the exceptions to the use of the categorical exemptions identified in State CEQA Guidelines section 15300.2 apply. The Project will not result in a cumulative impact from successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time. Moreover, there are no unusual circumstances surrounding the Project that would result in a reasonably possibility of a significant effect on the environment. Additionally, the Project will not damage scenic resources, including trees, historic buildings, rock outcroppings, or similar resources. The Project will not cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource. Finally, the Project does not 13 -3- Reso. #26.XXX
include any hazardous waste sites. Thus, Class 4 exemption applies, and no further environmental review is required. The City Council directs staff to cause a Notice of Exemption to be filed with the County of Orange County and State Clearing house within five (5) days of adoption of this Resolution.
SECTION 5. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which this Resolution has been based are located at City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651. The custodian of the record of proceedings is the Director of Community Development.
SECTION 6. If any provision of this Resolution is held invalid, the remainder of this Resolution shall not be affected by such invalidity, and the provisions of the Resolution are severable.
SECTION 7. This Resolution shall become effective on the same date that the Ordinance entitled, “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, AMENDING TITLE 18 AND SECTIONS 6.16.020 AND 8.04.010 OF THE LAGUNA BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE; AND FINDING SUCH ACTION EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT UNDER CEQA GUIDELINES SECTION 15304,” becomes effective.
ADOPTED this day of , 2026.
Mark Orgill, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk
13 -4- Reso. #26.XXX
I, Ann Marie McKay, City Clerk of the City of Laguna Beach, certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 26.XXX was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said City held on , 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
City Clerk, City of Laguna Beach, CA
13 -5- Reso. #26.XXX
EXHIBIT “A”
Mapped Areas and Capacity Limits
Tier I: 50 people or more; Tier II: 500 people or more; *Irvine Bowl subject to existing lease
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EXHIBIT “B”
Rules and Regulations
Special Event Permit Policy
13 City of Laguna Beach
Special Event Permit Policy
The purpose of the Special Event Permit Policy is to provide a process for permitting organized gatherings or activities, whether for nonprofit or for profit, specifically at designated City Parks, Beaches, or Facilities. Special Event Organizers (“Applicants”) and Vendors should review this policy in detail before submitting a special event permit application.
This policy identifies capacity limits at designated City Parks, Beaches, or Facilities that trigger the need for a Special Event permit, Special Event guidelines, and Special Event application requirements.
A Special Event may require:
Approval from other City Departments, Committees, Planning Commission, Design Review Board, or City Council - depending on the nature of the request.
Orange County Health Department - Food and Beverage Permits State of California ABC Licensing - Alcohol Sales or Consumption A Coastal Development Permit (or may be exempt in accordance with LBMC Section 25.07.008(A)(6) Transit & Community Services – Recreation Division
Mailing Address: 505 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Email: [email protected]
Phone: (949) 497-0716
13 Irvine Bowl* - All events are booked through Festival of Arts and also require a special event permit pursuant to LBMC Section 18.02.085.
Select Location for
Detailed Map
Tier
Group
Electrical
Access
Alcohol
Allowed
Alcohol
Sales
Food
Booths
Food
Trucks
Vendor
Booths
Parking
Nearby
Aliso Beach I/II • • • • Aliso Beach Park I/II • • • • • • Alta Laguna Park I • • • • Limited Bluebird Park I • • • Limited
Cobblestone Area I • • • • • Community & Rec Center I • • • • • • Heisler Park Picnic Area I • • • • Limited Irvine Bowl N/A • •
Lang Park I/II • • • • • Limited
Main Beach Park I/II • • Limited
Moulton Meadows Park I • • • • Limited
Parking Lot 10 I/II • • • • • • Picnic Beach I Carts Only On Street Limited Promenade on Forest Ave I/II • • • • Carts Only • • 1
“Special Event” means both: (a) organized public or private gatherings or activities, whether for profit or not for profit, that exceed the capacity of designated areas specified by resolution of the City Council (as a private or public gathering within the capacity of the designated areas is not a special event); and (b) the following organized public or private gatherings or activities, whether for profit or not for profit: (1) informal weddings; (2) commercial filming; (3) outdoor gatherings, concerts, festivals, art shows, and exhibits; (4) commercial stand-up paddling activity; (5) commercial dog training; (6) outdoor athletic contests; (7) organized play; (8) special organized recreational boating events; and (9) other similar activities at the determination of the City Manager or designee.
Special Event Tiers
Tier I – Simple: A low-impact, small-scale event that requires minimal City resources and oversight.
Attendance – more than 50 people
Duration - Same-day event for less than 6 hours
No street closures or traffic control
No major amplified sound (very limited, low-volume sound accepted) No sales by vendors or alcohol or other products (limited food sales by trucks/carts accepted) No large structures (e.g., stages, tents over 10’ x 10’) No security or medical services required
Site is not impacted to other general use of the same area Minimal setup and breakdown
Tier II – Complex: Large-scale, high-impact events requiring extensive planning, approvals, significant City resources.
Attendance - more than 500 people
Duration - Full-day more than 6 hours or multi-day event Street closures or lane closures
Significant amplified sound
Large temporary infrastructure: stages, large tents, fencing and barricades, generators and lighting towers Alcohol service or sales (beer, wine, or spirits)
Multiple vendors (food, merchandise, sponsors)
Ticketed or heavily promoted events
Guidelines Vendors (Including Alcohol, Food Trucks, Concessions & Booths) Special Events requested during the peak summer season, beginning the weekend of Memorial Day to Labor Day, are subject to ultimate review and approval by the City Manager due to summer impacts and capacity.
The proposed site must be suitable for the event, with consideration given to adequate space, traffic flow, parking, electricity, health and safety requirements, and impact on the site.
If approved, a pre-event meeting with Applicant and City staff is required.
Applicant must pay for all City services as required by this Policy.
Any vendors utilized by Applicant must have a current City of Laguna Beach Business License to operate at the event.
Applicant and vendors utilized by Applicant must abide by all City of Laguna Beach Municipal Codes. Applicant and vendors utilized by Applicant must abide by Balloon (Ordinance No. 1683) No person shall sell or distribute balloons of any kind, whether filled or unfilled.
No person shall intentionally release any balloon into the air.
No person shall use balloons on any public street, park, beach, sidewalk, recreational area, or other City property.
Applicant will ensure event aligns with the City’s Neighborhood and Environmental Protection Plan ("NEPP"), mitigating visitor impact to residents and the environment.
Applicant must adhere to the City’s commitment on the Path the Plastic-Free Laguna Beach.
Posting and/or distribution (before and during the event) of stickers, coupons, or flyers anywhere within the City of Laguna Beach is prohibited.
Single-use, plastic, bioplastic, and polystyrene disposable food serviceware items, including utensils and utensil sleeves, straws, stirrers, and takeout bags, are strictly prohibited within the City of Laguna Beach. 1 Vendors (Including Alcohol, Food Trucks, Concessions & Booths) Applicants must submit a vendor plan with the application which details all the vendors to be utilized by the Applicant during the event, including vendors of alcohol, food trucks, concessions, and booths. Vendors must have a City of Laguna Beach Business License and any and all required permits to conduct the vending activity. Proof of business license and any all-required permits must be submitted with the application. The vendor plan is subject to approval by the Transit and Community Services Department.
Vending activity is limited to the area within the approved event site area.
Vending equipment must easily be moveable and self-supporting.
Vendors shall not affix equipment or signs to any hydrant, light pole, street fixture, or other permanent structure.
Each vendor must clean its area of operation and remove all goods and equipment at the close of the event.
The Laguna Beach Fire Department and/or Police Department may suspend or terminate vendor activity at any time for noncompliance with permit requirements or public health or safety concerns.
Alcohol: Events serving and or selling alcohol must comply with state regulations and the following are required:
Detailed security management plan on how to ensure safe distribution and consumption of alcohol at the event.
Age verification, age identifier after admittance, containment area, type of alcohol to be served, serving size, etc.
Acquire ABC Daily Permit - Form 221 from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Obtain authorization from the Laguna Beach Police Department. Event Alcohol Approvals - LBPD Food: Allowed with final staff approval on number of, location of, and time allowed to be on site for the event.
Vendors are required to furnish a current Health Inspection Pass from the Orange County Health Department. Vendors must comply with Health, Fire, and Building & Safety Department regulations.
Food vendors must separate edible food for recovery.
Food Trucks & Carts operating in Orange County must have an Orange County Mobile Food Permit.
Janitorial, Portable Toilets, Waste Management & Recycling Applicants are required to provide a janitorial and waste management plan that details event janitorial services and waste management/recycling services. The janitorial and waste management plan is subject to approval by the Public Works & Utilities Department and must be submitted to the City of Laguna Beach Public Works & Utilities Department at least 10 calendar days prior to the event.
Portable toilets and handwashing stations are required if on-site restrooms are for event size.
All events must implement best management practices (BMPs) to prevent pollution from reaching storm drains and local waterways.
Events will not be permitted to use or impact City-owned solid waste and recycling dumpsters or public receptacles.
All events must provide separate containers for solid waste, recycling, and organics in accordance with SB 1383. All events are required to obtain solid waste, recycling, and organics collection services exclusively through CR&R Inc., the City’s franchised solid waste hauler. Contact CR&R at (949) 662-3819 or [email protected] [email protected].
Inadequate event cleanup may result in forfeiture of the deposit or nes.
Building & Safety Inspection
Tier II events are subject to Building & Safety Inspection to determine if separate building and/or electrical permits are needed for stages, electrical use, and overall attractions.
Building & Safety Inspection must be completed at least 10 calendar days prior to the event. 14 Insurance Requirements
Applicant shall provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and applicable endorsements no fewer than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled event. Coverage must be in effect for all event-related activities, including setup and dismantling. Special event permits will be revoked, and events will be canceled if proper insurance is not obtained, and all associated fees with the special event permit shall be nonrefundable.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Commercial General Liability:
Minimum $1 million for each occurrence.
General aggregate of $2 million.
Insurance is primary insurance with respect to the City, its officials, employees, agents, and contractors.
Any other insurance the City may have shall be considered excess insurance only.
Coverage shall state that the Organizer’s insurance shall apply separately to each insured against whom claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of the insurer’s liability.
The Organizer shall include all subcontractors as insured under its policies or shall obtain separate Certificates of Insurance and Endorsements for each subcontractor.
Coverage must reflect your event activities (e.g., drones, alcohol service, valet, shuttle, athletics).
Automobile Liability: Combined single limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
Commercial Business Entities: Minimum $1 million.
Transportation Entities: Minimum $1 million and general aggregate of $5 million Individuals: Minimum $400,000 ($100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident).
Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability: Required to cover all employees and volunteers.
Bodily Injury by Accident - Each Accident - Minimum $1 million Bodily Injury by Disease - Each Employee - Minimum $1 million Bodily Injury by Disease - Policy Limit - Minimum $1 million Liquor Liability: Required if alcohol is served or sold.
Minimum $1,000,000 limit per occurrence.
Required Endorsements - Endorsements are separate documents in addition to the COI Additional Insured: City of Laguna Beach must be named as additional insured.
Primary and Non-Contributory for General Liability.
Waiver of Subrogation: Must be provided when Worker’s Compensation coverage is required.
Statements in the main COI description box are not sufficient.
Policy numbers must match applicable lines on COI and not contain limiting language.
Special Risks or Circumstances
City reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.
Public Safety & Medical Plan
Events may be required by the Laguna Beach Police Department to provide a security management plan which is subject to approval by the Laguna Beach Police Department and must be submitted to the Laguna Beach Police Department at least 10 calendar days prior to the event. All contracted security services shall be subject to prior approval by the Laguna Beach Police Department.
Events may be required by the Laguna Beach Police Department to provide on-site medical or rst aid services. Such services must meet all applicable accessibility standards. 14 Parking & Control Plan
Applicants must provide a parking and control plan with the application for the special event permit which is subject to approval by the Laguna Beach Police Department. application and is subject to approval by the Laguna Beach Police Department. Please note that street closures require a Temporary Use Permit and may also require a Coastal Development Permit. Special Events may be conditioned to provide measures to minimize impacts. “No Parking” signs must be placed at least 48 hours prior to restriction and must be removed immediately upon completion of event.
Special Event Parking may be required for some locations.
Sound, Electrical, Portable Lighting
Applicants must provide a sound and lighting plan. The sound and lighting plan is subject to approval by the Transit and Community Services Department and must be submitted with the application.
Special Events may be conditioned to provide measures to minimize impacts from sound and lighting.
Applicant and vendors utilized by Applicant must comply with any required limitations on sound, including any decibel limits and permitted hours of use, and lighting. 14 Event Fee Schedule – Fees Are Nonrefundable
Applications fees and refundable security deposit are required at the time the application is submitted.
Other fees for additional City services deemed necessary for the event are due at least ten (10) days before the special event. At the pre-event meeting, City staff will determine which City services are required and will provide Applicant with an estimate for the City services. Applicant shall pay the estimate at least ten (10) days before the special event. If any funds are not expended to cover the City services associated with the special event, the funds shall be refunded to Applicant before thirty calendar days following the special event.
If City staff finds it necessary to change the event plan or Applicant requests changes after the pre-event meeting, such changes may result in cost increases or decreases.
Tier I Tier II
Application Fee $150 Nonprofit - $50 $300 Nonprofit - $100 Security Deposit $500 $1000
Daily Permit Fee $250 Nonprofit - $100 $750 Nonprofit - $400 Parking Lots & Meters Special Event Parking & City Lots Meter Bag Info Electrical (Cobblestones, Promenade) $50 N/A
Street Sweeping $165 per hour
Power Washing $88 per hour
Recreation Equipment Recreation Equipment Rental
Temporary Animal Permit - PD $185 - Temporary Animal Permit Info Traffic Control Plan Review - PD $155 Per Page
Event Vendor Operator License – FN Vendors, Exhibitors, Event Service Providers X $25 = $ Trolley Charters Trolley Charter Information
Special Event & Tent Application - FD LBFD Special Event & Tent Application Event Standards Temporary Use Permit - CD $ 817 Planning Application
City Personnel
Community Development Administrative Review - $73 per hour Building & Safety Inspector - TBD Fire Department (Charity, Reg., OT) Firefighter - $69, $79, $120 Fire Marshal - $124, $143, $213 Marine Safety (Charity, Reg., OT) MS Officer - $74, $85, $128 Rescue Watercraft - $70, $75 Police Department (Charity, Reg., OT) CSO II or Park Ranger - $66, $76, $114 Police Officer - $91, $105, $157 Public Works Maintenance Worker - $45, $52, $77 Equip. Operator - $64, $74, $110 Transit & Community Services Administrative Review - $73 per hour CS Coordinator - $30 per hour Other Fees Assigned by City of Laguna Beach
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
Other
14 Application – Special Event Permit
Applicant Name: Date:
Mailing Address: Apt/Suite:
City: State: Zip:
Email Address: Cell Phone: Other Phone:
Business or Organization Name: Website:
Non-Profit: Yes No Laguna Beach Business License #: N/A EIN:
Event Information
Athletic or Sporting: Festival: Concert: Neighborhood: Car Show: Fundraising:
Other Type or Additional Information:
Requested Location: Alternate Location:
Event Name: Purpose Of Event:
On-Site Contact: Cell Phone:
# Of Personnel Staff: # Of Volunteers: Total # Of Vendors:
Day 1 Date: Day 2 Date: Day 3 Date:
Set-Up Time: Set-Up Time: Set-Up Time:
Start Time: Start Time: Start Time:
End Time: End Time: End Time:
Breakdown Time: Breakdown Time: Breakdown Time:
Estimated Attendance: Estimated Attendance: Estimated Attendance:
Open to Public: Open to Public: Open to Public:
Yes Will the event require the following? Please provide details.
Admission Fee:
Alcohol Served or Sold (Beer, Wine, Spirits) :
Amplified Sound:
Drone (FAA License Required):
Food Served or Sold or Catering:
Goods for Sale:
Outside Security:
Oversized Vehicles or Equipment:
Parking Lots or Meters:
Power Source or Generator:
Portable Restrooms:
Tables & Chairs, Qty:
Tents, Canopies or Stage:
Traffic Plan:
Other:
Other:
Other:
Other:
Other:
Other:
14 Event Details
Checklist
An application will be considered complete once all the following provisions have been addressed and the required documents submitted (where applicable):
Yes N/A Application Fees
Yes N/A Vendor Plan (a list of any and all proposed vendors) Yes N/A
Parking and Traffic Control Plan (anticipated parking needs and a parking plan for the special event, including Special Event Parking Application; provision and use of traffic cones or barricades for pedestrian and vehicle traffic)
Yes N/A A proposed seating plan for the special event, if applicable.
Yes N/A Sound and Lighting Plan (detailing the use of amplified sound (for speakers, instruments, or other noise), including location, timing, and duration and detailing location of lights, if any) Yes N/A A detailed site plan of the premises including parking spaces, seating arrangements, fire exits, dimensions of each area, any other attraction offered, and the overall layout of the special event.
If required by the appropriate City Department, at least 10 calendar days before an approved event, the following items must be submitted for the event to proceed:
Yes N/A
Security Management Plan (the provision and/or operation of first aid or emergency medical aid stations; security measures or other arrangements that will be implemented to properly direct attendees/participants and to prevent unlawful conduct)
Yes N/A Janitorial and Waste Management Plan (the provision and/or operation of sanitary facilities, including ADAaccessible facilities; a trash/litter collection plan coordinated with CR&R or an off-site disposal plan) Yes N/A Certificates of Insurance (COI and additional endorsements that meet all requirements of the City of Laguna Beach Special Event Policy.
Yes N/A City service fee deposit (based on coordination meeting between City staff and Applicant) Signature of Applicant Date
XXXX Approval Date
BY SIGNING, THE APPLICANT AGREES TO COMPLY WITH ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS PERMIT. THE APPLICANT ALSO AGREES TO DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND
HOLD HARMLESS THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, INCLUDING ITS OFFICIALS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS FROM AND AGAINST ANY CLAIM, ACTION, OR
PROCEEDING, INCLUDING ANY DAMAGES AND ANY AWARD OF ATTORNEYS FEES) AGAINST THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH, INCLUDING ITS OFFICIAL, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS TO ATTACK, SET ASIDE, VOID, OR ANNUAL ANY APPROVAL OR CONDITION OF APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH CONCERNING THIS
SPECIAL EVENT, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY APPROVAL OR CONDITION OF APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING COMMISSION, DESIGN REVIEW BOARD, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR, OR CITY EMPLOYEE. THE CITY RESERVES THE RIGHT, AT ITS OWN OPTION, TO CHOOSE ITS OWN ATTORNEY TO REPRESENT THE CITY, ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS IN THE DEFENSE OF THE MATTER. 14