SPECIAL EVENTS
DANCES/CONCERTS/SHOWS
PERMIT PREREQUISITES
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1. NOTIFICATION REQUIRED: A minimum of 30 days notice must be given to the Police Department prior to the event.
Applications may be obtained in advance of the date of the event; however, the application process must commence no later
than thirty (30) days prior to the event.
NOTE: The permit process is NOT COMPLETE until all requirements have been met.
2. INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIRED: The facility where the function is to be held must have a liability insurance policy in
effect at the time of the event or both. A copy of the Certificate of Insurance must be provided with the completed
application. Within the certificate, “THE CITY OF OAKLAND” shall be named as additionally insured.
3. TICKETS: If tickets are to be sold for the event, a City of Oakland business license is required. Business licenses for the City
of Oakland may be obtained at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 1320. Telephone: (510) 238-3704.
4. NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION: If the function is being sponsored by a nonprofit organization, the Internal Revenue Service or
State of California Nonprofit Exemption documentation must be provided with the completed application.
5. VENUES: A completed contract with the venue, where the event is to be held, must be submitted with the application,
although the contract may be tentative pending approval of the permit.
6. SECURITY: A contract with a licensed and bonded company is necessary. Depending on the size of the event, and the type
of event, security is required. One security officer per fifty (50) attendees, to one security officer per one hundred (100)
attendees.
7. IDENTIFICATION: A current and valid photo identification is required. It must be issued by a Municipal, State or Federal
agency and have a photo of the person making the application for the permit. A PHYSICAL ADDRESS is required. POST OFFICE
BOXES are not permitted.
8. BUILDING AND FIRE SERVICES’ PLAN REVIEW AND INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS: Non-conforming Buildings (warehouses,
factories, etc.) and other event locations used as public assemblies are subject to plan review by the Building Department
and/or Fire Department. Please submit plans (three copies) for review to the Fire Department at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza,
Suite 3341.
9. ALCOHOL (ABC License): If you will be serving and/or selling alcoholic beverages, then you need to obtain an Alcoholic
Beverage Control license or provide documentation that the establishment hosting your event has a valid ABC license.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s website (http://www.abc.ca.gov/) has more information.
10. ALAMEDA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT: Any event where food or drink will be either sold or given away will need a
valid Alameda County Health Permit. Please contact @ (510) 567-6700.
11. SOUND: If you will be using any form of sound amplification outside (including but not limited to a microphone, amplifier
or bull horn), you will need to obtain a sound permit from the City Manager’s Office.
12. ADVERTISEMENTS: Copies of any and all promotional literature and announcement for an event must be provided with
the completed application. Originals or a photocopy of the advertisement may be submitted for approval.
13. STATE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION: If tangible personal property will be sold at the event, each vendor must get a
temporary Seller’s Permit from the State Board of Equalization. If the vendor already has a Seller’s Permit they must add the
special event location as a sub location on their existing Seller’s Permit. They vendor may visit boe.ca.gov, call (510) 622-4102,
or come to the nearest BOE office to obtain assistance with registration.
PLEASE BE SURE THAT YOU HAVE READ COMPLETELY ALL INFORMATION IN THIS PACKET AND THAT YOU
UNDERSTAND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR OBTAINING THIS PERMIT.
If you have any questions, contact our office @ (510) 777-8525.