Requirements - Conditions and Permits

Below are typical special event requirements, not all may apply to your event. Once your event has been reviewed by the Special Events Committee, a list of requirements will be forwarded to you.

Liability Insurance – Comprehensive general liability insurance coverage in the minimum amount of $1m (one million dollars), combined single limit per occurrence naming the City of Visalia as “additionally insured” is required for all events. Liquor Legal Liability Insurance is required if alcohol sales are taking place at the event. One time event permits are available for purchase by contacting the City’s Risk Management division at 220 N Santa Fe.

Insurance Certificate shall state the following: City of Visalia, its officers, agents, employees, representatives and volunteers are named as Additional Insured under the General liability as respects to the operations and activities of, or on behalf of the named insured, performed under contract with the City of Visalia. 
   
Questions related to insurance should be directed to the City’s Risk Management Division, (559) 713-4300.

Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) License to Sell Permit - Events selling/serving alcohol will need an ABC License Permit. The application will need to be submitted to Special Events for the Visalia Police Department approval signature. For more information visit the California Alcohol Beverage website.

Security – Some events, especially those serving alcohol, will be required by the Visalia Police Department to provide private security. Security guards must be registered with a certified agency and a copy of the security contract must be submitted verifying services. Events without alcohol shall have 1 guard for every 250 guest, and for events with alcohol there shall be no less than 1 guard for every 150 guest.
 
Site Plan – An event site plan must be included with each application. This is a map of the venue identifying streets surrounding the site as well as the event layout itself. Items to be included on this drawing include: stages, bleachers, portable restrooms, booths, vendors, tents, cooking areas, trash receptacles, generators or electrical sources and other temporary structures. If event is all ages and alcohol will be on site, must show beer garden with security guard stations. If event is ages 21+ and alcohol will be on site, must show where security guards will be stationed.

Encroachment/Temporary Street Closures – Applications for Encroachment/Temporary Street Closures shall be made in person or in writing as early as practical, but no less than ten (10) working days prior to the event.

Application available online.

A traffic/barricade plan must be included. This should show all moving routes, indicate the direction of travel, show all street or lane closures and include plans for signage.

Standard barricades with “Street Closed to Thru Traffic” signs must be placed across the street at each intersection of the designated closure. Event organizer is responsible for meeting this requirement. Barricades and signs will not be furnished nor placed by the City.

Good Neighbor Policy – One of the criteria for a street closure is compliance with the Good Neighbor Policy. This requires event organizers to submit a petition with signatures of property owners who will be affected by the proposed street closure. This petition must show at least sixty percent (60%) of those properties affected by the closure are in favor of the street closure. Note: Compliance of the Good Neighbor Policy does not guarantee approval of a Street Closure Permit; other factors such as impact on traffic flow and public safety are also considered.

Questions related to traffic control plans or street closures should be directed to the Traffic Safety Division at (559) 713-4633.

Park/Facility Reservations – Any event that is planned in a City park or facility must have a park/facility permit. This can be obtained at the Parks and Recreation Department located at 345 N. Jacob Street or online. Park rental, facility rental and special event fees apply. Please note that Garden Street Plaza is a City Park and must follow the park reservation process.

Business Tax Certificate – All vendors and show promoters must have a City of Visalia Business Tax Certificate. If they do not have one already, they can obtain a Business Tax Certificate at City Hall West, 707 W. Acequia. Questions should be directed to (559) 713-4326.

Food and Beverage at Special Events – Contact the Tulare County Health Department to determine permit needs for your event.
If food preparation is taking place on site, you will also need to contact the Visalia Fire Department Prevention Division at (559) 713-4266 an inspection may be required.

Tents and Canopies -  A permit is required for tents and/or canopies when the following conditions exist.

• Tents and canopies open on all sides 700 square feet or more.
• Tents and canopies with sides exceeding 400 square feet.
• Multiple tents and/or canopies side-by-side exceed 700 square feet total.

For more information contact the Visalia Fire Department Prevention Division at (559) 713-4266.    

Recycling – The City of Visalia encourages recycling efforts at all events. Event needs vary based on the type of products that are used or sold. The City of Visalia Natural Resources Conservation Division works in partnership with local agencies, venues and special events to implement comprehensive recycling and waste reduction programs. Event planners can rent large commercial bins for general recyclables or borrow Clear Stream containers (at no charge) to help you capture cans and bottles.

Depending on your event size, duration and location, the Natural Resource Conservation Division will help your event “Go-Green”.
Clear Stream containers are durable, easy to use CRV recycling containers that are easy to set up, move and empty. To arrange for free use of these containers, please contact the City of Visalia Natural Resource Conservation Division at (559) 713-4532.

Solid Waste – Successful special events provide a clean environment for participants and spectators and leave the site clean for public use. Containers in a park or along the streets are for daily use and are not intended to accommodate large special events. It is the event organizer’s responsibility to make sure that adequate refuse containers and service is available. The number of waste containers and bins vary by event type and size. Applications for trash receptacles or bins shall be taken to City of Solid Waste Division located at 707 W Acequia Ave. For more information contact the City’s Solid Waste Division at (559) 713-4296. 

Portable Restrooms – Public restroom needs are determined by event location and size. It is the event organizer’s responsibility to ensure adequate restrooms are available for the public’s use. It is recommended that event organizers consider handicap accessible units and hand washing stations when determining event needs.