A special event is a temporary use which requires special consideration due to an increase in traffic, parking, noise, light and glare, vibration, odor, visual impact, or other affects incidental to the operation of a temporary use and the effects that such uses may have on the health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood or the community as a whole. In granting a special event permit, the Director of Community Development may require certain safeguards and establish certain conditions of approval to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the community.
(a) Definition. A special event is defined as any activity which temporarily intensifies the impacts (i.e., parking, traffic, noise, light and glare, etc.) of an existing permitted use or which create a potential conflict among land uses. Normal sales or functions which are incidental to the existing permitted use (i.e., sales conducted within the structure of an existing retail use, live entertainment if currently permitted under a Conditional Use Permit, etc.) shall not be considered a special event. Typical activities that would be considered a special event would include, but not be limited to, auctions (outdoor), farmers markets, open air markets and swap meets.
(b) Permitted Uses. The following temporary uses are permissible in any zone in the City pursuant to the provisions of this Section and subject to the granting of a Temporary Site Development Permit per Chapter
9.71.
(1) Retail sales events such as grand openings or special sales; or
(2) Outdoor gatherings and events of a temporary or seasonal nature which may include, but not be limited to, outdoor entertainment, community events, holiday or seasonal activities, or similar activities of religious, charitable, fraternal, or educational organizations or associations.
(c) Duration of Special Events. Any event exceeding 21 consecutive days in a calendar year shall not be considered a temporary use and shall be processed in accordance with the applicable permits and procedures for such permanent use.
(d) Types of Permits. There are three types of Temporary Site Development Permits that may be issued for special events:
(1) Individual Temporary Site Development Permit — a permit for any one event within a calendar year subject to administrative review and approval by the Director of Community Development. A public hearing shall be required if the event is determined to be a major event.
(2) Comprehensive Temporary Site Development Permit — a permit for up to eight separate, non-consecutive events within a calendar year subject to administrative review and approval by the Director of Community Development. A public hearing shall be required if the event is determined to be a major event.
(3) Master Temporary Site Development Permit — a permit for nine or more non-consecutive events within a calendar year or for any continuous activity or use of a property which constitutes a special event as defined above. Master special event permits are subject to review and approval by the Planning Commission. A public hearing is required for consideration of a master special event permit.
(e) Basis for Approval, Conditional Approval of a Special Event Permit. The approval, conditional approval or denial of any Individual Temporary Site Development Permit, Comprehensive Temporary Site Development Permit, or Master Temporary Site Development Permits shall be based upon the following factors and principles:
(1) That the proposed temporary use is a special event permitted under this Section.
(2) That the special event is consistent with the Zoning Code and will not be incompatible with the General Plan.
(3) That the site for the special event is adequate in size, shape, and access to accommodate additional demands generated by the proposed use.
(4) That the special event as proposed and/or conditioned will protect the safety and general welfare of the community; and will not cause significant noise, traffic, or other conditions or situations that may be detrimental or incompatible with other permitted uses in the vicinity.
(5) That any unimproved, vacant, privately owned property proposed for a special event shall be deemed "improved" for the duration of the special event so as to comply with the provisions of Dana Point Municipal Code Section 12.08.016(n). Signage shall be placed upon the subject property indicating that the property is being utilized under an approved Temporary Site Development Permit, and shall indicate the duration of the event.
(f) Filing of Application. The items required for filing shall include:
(1) A complete application form;
(2) An application fee as specified in the current structure of service fees, except that fees for non-profit organizations and associations may be waived by the Director of Community Development;
(3) A site plan showing the layout of the proposed activity. The number of copies required shall be as follows:
(A) Individual or Comprehensive Permit:
— | Five copies for administrative review |
— | Fifteen copies for public hearing (as determined below) |
(4) A letter of authorization from the property owner(s) if different than the applicant;
(5) A letter of explanation signed and dated by the applicant demonstrating how the request meets the four findings required for approval of a Temporary Use Permit for a special event;
(6) Notification materials as provided below.
(g) Notification Requirements.
(1) Single Event. No notification for a public hearing shall be required unless deemed necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare of the surrounding community. Such determination shall be made by the Director of Community Development based on the following factors:
(A) The likelihood that the proposed special event will create noise beyond the boundaries of the property where the event is being held which may constitute a nuisance to property owners or residents;
(B) The likelihood that the proposed special event will require parking off-site from where the special event is being held;
(C) The time of day and day of the week during which the proposed special event is to be held;
(D) The property on which the special event is proposed to be held abuts residential property, school, nursing home, hospital, or similar facility; or
(E) The scope and magnitude of the proposed special event is such that notice should be provided and a public hearing should be held.
Events which have the potential to impact adjacent property as described within these criteria shall be considered major events. |
(2) Major Events and Master Permits. For major events and master permits, the following notification materials shall be submitted:
(A) An assessor's map showing the subject site and indicating all properties within a 300 foot radius of the subject site.
(B) A list of the names of the property owners, their addresses and the assessor parcel numbers within a 300 foot radius of the subject site.
(C) Addressed envelopes with postage for each property owner within 300 feet of the subject site.
(h) Consideration of an Application.
(1) An application for a major event or master event permit shall be submitted to the Director of Community Development no later than 90 days before the first day of the proposed event, unless otherwise determined by the Director of Community Development.
(2) The application shall be acted upon by the Director of Community Development/Planning Commission no later than 45 days after the application is accepted as complete and at least 45 days before the first day of the proposed event.
(3) The Director of Community Development may require the applicant to provide verification of initial public notice for a major event. The decision of the Director of Community Development on initial public notice shall be sent to the applicant within five days of the application submittal. Legal notice of a public hearing before the Planning Commission on the subject application shall be provided pursuant to Section
9.61.050 of the Dana Point Zoning Code.
(4) Activities conducted on property owned by or leased to the City, or any public road rights-of-way may require an encroachment permit issued by the City of Dana Point, or other affected agency. The applicant shall be responsible for any fees or surety required for the use of public property.
(5) Application for any Temporary Site Development Permit for a special event shall be referred by the Director of Community Development to other affected agencies as may be appropriate for review and comment.
(6) Related issues including, but not limited to, police/security, food and water supply, use of tents and canopies, sanitation facilities, medical services, noise, signage, fire protection, and traffic control shall be adequately addressed to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development, Public Works Director, Sheriff, or Health Officer in their administration of other City codes. Such other codes may require the applicant to obtain permits such as building electrical, health or tent permits.
(7) The Director of Community Development/Planning Commission shall approve, conditionally approve, or deny any application and shall state findings and reasons for such decision. The Director of Community Development/Planning Commission, as appropriate, shall have the authority to attach conditions which directly relate to or further the protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare and ensure the fulfillment and intent of the City's Municipal Code.
(8) If an application is granted subject to conditions, the Temporary Site Development Permit shall become effective only after the conditions have been fulfilled or after the applicant has provided reasonable and sufficient guarantees that the conditions will be satisfied. The applicant shall satisfy or provide sufficient guarantee for the satisfaction of the conditions at least 15 days prior to the first day of the special event.
(9) Advertisement of a special event which requires approval of a Temporary Site Development Permit prior to issuance of such permit by the Director of Community Development/Planning Commission may be done at the applicant's own risk. Advertising of the subject special event prior to the event does not guarantee that Temporary Site Development Permit will be approved.
(10) Written approval from the owners of all properties used during the special event is required upon application submittal. A minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and indemnification is required for all owners, the City and other agencies, as determined by the Director of Community Development.
(11) Sales of prepared food, food stuffs, and merchandise (other than Christmas trees or Halloween pumpkins) shall be permitted only as specifically defined in the Temporary Site Development Permit.
(12) Informal swap meets and other street corner vending operations are not permitted through this Section.
(i) Special Event Monitoring and Security.
(1) The Director of Community Development or the Planning Commission, as a condition of approval, may require monitoring of the special event by appropriate City Departments and/or third parties. Such monitoring shall be at the expense of the applicant, with any associated payment required in full at least 15 days prior the first day of the subject event.
(2) Facility use deposits will be considered on a case-by-case basis to evaluate potential damage to city streets, parks, or other public property. The Director of Community Development shall evaluate the potential for damage and may require a cash bond or other guarantee for removal of the temporary use, cleanup, repair and restoration of the activity site within seven days of the conclusion of the special event. Said guarantee shall be in an amount which is sufficient to cover the estimated costs of administration, steam cleaning, sidewalk repair, storm drain cleanout, and other associated cleanup or repair operations. All facility use deposits shall be at the expense of the applicant, with any associated payment required in full at least 15 days prior the first day of the subject event.
(j) Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages at Special Events.
(1) The service or sale of alcoholic beverages at a special event requires approval of a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission at a public hearing. Verification of permits from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is required for the temporary service or sale of alcoholic beverages at a special event. Such verification shall be provided by the applicant at least 15 days prior the first day of the subject event.
(2) The applicant shall attend a City-approved training program on the responsible service of alcoholic beverages and California law regarding the service and sale of alcoholic beverages. The applicant will be responsible for disseminating all information from such programs to all servers. In addition, servers will be required to read the City's policies and procedures, as well as sign a server responsibility statement. The statement must be submitted to the Director of Community Development at least 15 days prior to the first day of the subject event.
(3) All other requirements of the City of Dana Point Alcohol Policy must be met to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.
(Added by Ord. 93-16, 11/23/93; amended by Ord. 94-21, 12/13/94; Ord. 96-10, 8/13/96)