Event Permit Fees & Online Payments - Long Beach
Long Beach, California requires permits for most public events on city property or right-of-way. This guide explains where fees are published, how to submit applications, online and in-person payment options, the enforcing departments, and what to do if you need to appeal or report a problem. Use the official Special Events pages and the city's fee schedule to confirm current amounts and forms before you apply or pay.
How fees are set and where to find them
Event permit fees for parks, streets, and other public property are established by the City of Long Beach and appear in the official fee schedule or on the Parks, Recreation & Marine special events permit pages. For forms, payment portals, and fee details consult the city pages linked below. [1][2]
Penalties & Enforcement
The City enforces permit compliance through administrative citations, stop-work orders, and other remedies. Specific monetary fines, escalation for repeat or continuing offences, and exact civil penalties are not specified on the cited pages and must be verified on the official fee schedule or applicable code sections cited below. [2]
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, permit suspension or revocation, event shutdowns, and referral to courts where applicable.
- Enforcer: Parks, Recreation & Marine Special Events Office and City Code Enforcement or other designated divisions; complaints and compliance requests are handled through the departments linked below. [1]
- Appeals and review: processes and time limits for contesting administrative citations or permit denials are not specified on the cited pages; review the code or contact the issuing office for exact deadlines.
Applications & Forms
The primary application is the City of Long Beach Special Event Permit application; the permit covers use of parks, streets, and public facilities and identifies required insurance, traffic plans, and fees. The application form name and submission method are described on the Special Events permit page; specific form numbers or fee lines may be listed in the master fee schedule. [1][2]
- Application name: Special Event Permit Application (see the Special Events page for the current form).
- Deadlines: recommended to apply at least weeks in advance; exact lead times are listed on the permit page or in event guidance.
- Fees: set by the city fee schedule; if a fee amount is required for budgeting, consult the master fee schedule linked below. [2]
- Submission methods: online submission may be available; in-person or email directions are provided on the Special Events permit page. [1]
Paying permit fees - online and in person
Long Beach offers municipal payment portals and in-person options for permit fees depending on the issuing department. Common methods include online credit/debit payments through the city's payment portal, over-the-counter payments at specified offices, or checks mailed to the finance office. Check the permit instructions for the department-specific payment link or accepted payment types. [2]
- Online payments: use the city payment portal referenced on the permit or finance pages.
- Invoice or permit number: include permit application or invoice reference when paying to ensure proper posting.
- Receipts: request and retain official receipts for proof of payment and compliance documentation.
Action steps
- Step 1: Review the Special Events permit requirements and downloadable application on the city page. [1]
- Step 2: Prepare required documents—insurance, traffic plans, vendor lists—and estimate fees from the master fee schedule. [2]
- Step 3: Submit the application by the method specified and pay fees via the listed payment portal or at the designated office.
- Step 4: If you receive a citation or denial, follow the appeal instructions on the notice and contact the issuing department promptly.
FAQ
- How do I find the exact fee for my event permit?
- Check the City of Long Beach master fee schedule and the Special Events permit page for line items and current charges. [2]
- Can I pay permit fees online?
- Yes, many permit fees can be paid through the city's online payment portal or by the method listed on your permit invoice; follow the payment instructions on the permit page. [1]
- Who enforces permit compliance and issues fines?
- Compliance is enforced by the issuing department (for example Parks, Recreation & Marine for park permits) and City Code Enforcement; specific penalties should be verified on the fee schedule or code. [2]
How-To
- Find and download the Special Event Permit application from the city's Special Events permit page. [1]
- Complete the form and assemble required attachments (insurance, traffic control, site plan).
- Estimate fees using the master fee schedule and follow the invoice/payment instructions that the department provides. [2]
- Submit the application as directed and pay online or as instructed; retain receipt and confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- Always consult the official Special Events page for application and submission details. [1]
- Fee amounts and enforcement penalties are published in the city's fee schedule or applicable code sections. [2]
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation & Marine - Special Events
- City of Long Beach Finance Department
- City of Long Beach Code Enforcement
- Long Beach Development Services (Planning & Building)