Special Event Permits

A special event is an event that takes place on public property within the city that meets any of the following conditions:

  • Attendance of more than 50 people
  • Alcohol served or sold
  • Amplified Music
  • A jump house or other entertainment attraction

Permit Process and Requirements

  1. Submit a Special Event Permit Application. Events with 2,500 or more single day attendees, applications must be submitted at least 6 months in advance. For events with fewer than 2,500 single day attendees, applications must be submitted at least 4 months in advance. Events that submit an application fewer than 30 days in advance will be required to pay a $500 late application fee and may be denied. All applications will be reviewed by City departments for additional requirements.
  2. Submit Insurance for approval (with the application if possible). Insurance requirements can be found in the resources below. 
  3. Pay Rental Fee (varies depending on facility) and Maintenance Deposit Fee of $500. The Maintenance Deposit fee is refundable, following an inspection of the site after the event. The full amount will be refunded if there is no need for City maintenance services or repairs as a direct result of the event.
  4. Pay Special Event Permit Fee:  $334 for 50-499 people; $944 for 500+ people
  5. For proposed road closures: Event Organizer is to provide a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) designed and stamped by a licensed traffic engineer. The plan must be executed by a Class C31 Traffic Control Contractor. The TCP is to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer and MHPD. Traffic control plans must also identify the types of vehicle incursion barriers used. 
  6. Provide plans for trash/recycling, portable toilets, security, event maps, and event growth plans. 
    1. Recycling, Composting, and Trash - The City of Morgan Hill has incorporated new language and requirements within our special event permitting process. SB1383 took effect January 1, 2022, requiring residents and businesses to divert organic waste from landfills, primarily through composting and other recycling methods. Events where food is served are required to have compost bins at locations next to all trash bins and are required to ensure compost collected is composted. Some events may also have food recovery requirements. 
    2. The City of Morgan Hill’s franchise hauler for the City of Morgan Hill and has exclusive rights to hauling waste within the City of Morgan Hill’s city limits. Use of their services must be coordinated by contacting Recology. 
    3. Portable Toilets - Organizer shall be responsible to provide portable toilets and indicate their location on the site diagram. The number of portable toilets will be based on a minimum of an 8th of 1% of the anticipated number of participants expected with a minimum of four (4) portable toilets (2 unisex and 2 accessible). This formula will be used unless applicant can substantiate the availability of both accessible and non-accessible facilities in the area of the event. Ten percent (10%) of the total number of toilets shall be accessible. Location/layout shall indicate that all portable toilets are located on level sites (no more than a 2% slope) with appropriate clear path-of-travel (a minimum of 48” wide) to the toilet entrance. The goal is to have at least one wheelchair accessible toilet in each grouping of portable restrooms.
  7. Provide a hard copy notification to the surrounding impacted area and a copy to be included in the permit documentation.
  8. Sign Rental Contract and Special Event Permit.

Additional permits and licenses may be required; and additional security or police services may be required.

Resources

If you have questions about an occurring event, please call Morgan Hill Police Department’s non-emergency number: 408-779-2101.

Notification: Sign up to receive notifications regarding upcoming events in Downtown Morgan Hill with road closures.

BBQ Rentals

Park BBQ Area Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and up to 1 year (12 months) prior to the event. BBQ areas can only be booked online at www.mhparksandrec.com. Attendance is not to exceed the capacity of the BBQ area. No special events are permitted for BBQ rentals. Reservations are confirmed and considered complete after online booking. Alcohol can be served at BBQ areas by purchasing an alcohol permit during the reservation process.  

Special event permits are required for Sports Fields/Courts if any of the following apply: 

  • Entertainment
  • Charging an Entry Fee
  • Amplified Sound
  • 75 or more guests, including any tournaments with more than 75 total attendance
  • Selling Food