Business License Requirements for Special Events
The City of Santa Ana takes pride in the wide collection of community-focused events held every year at sites throughout the City. Nearly all events, from major festivals and international sporting events to neighborhood block parties and parades, require Special Events Permits which are administered by the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (“PRCSA”). Any event that will conduct any business activity is required to obtain a Business License as part of its Special Events Permit Application. Failure to submit the Business License Application in a timely manner may cause your event in being cancelled. All applications and event site plans must be submitted 90 days prior and up to 1 year in advance to the first event date. Please submit Special Event Permit Applications and supplemental documents to specialevents@santa-ana.org.
If your event will conduct business activity, including but not limited to sales of concessions, merchandise, and tickets, you must already possess or obtain a Business License. In addition, the following supplemental business license requirements will be applied:
Event Organizers are responsible for the following items:
- Event Participant Cover Letter
- Event Participant List
- Event Participant Application, to provide to event participants
Event Participants are responsible for the following items:
- Event Participation Application
All event participants must have a California State Board of Equalization Resale showing a Santa Ana address, the event address can be used on the Seller’s Permit. To obtain a Sellers Permit you will need to contact the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA), you can tell them you need a temporary or second location permit. You can reach the CDTFA at (800) 400-7115.