Special Event Permit Application

Step 1.Submission Timeline (4-6 weeks prior to event)

Special event applications should be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the event date (but no later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the event to avoid late fees) to ensure review and coordination amongst multiple City departments.  Submission of a permit application does not deem the application complete, guarantee the date and location of the special event; or imply an approval of the special event.  An applicant must meet all requirements, including the provision of special event insurance, before the City shall issue a Special Event Permit.

The application includes

• Complete application
• Site plan
• Waste plan reviewed by Environmental Programs and Operations (EPO)
• Approved insurance certificate and endorsements. 

All sections of the permit application need to be completed prior to submission. Once you submit the application, the applicant will be notified if additional information is needed prior to the initiation of the review process.

Special Event Permit Application (online digital)

Step 2.Review Process

The event permit will be reviewed by multiple departments including Current Planning, Building Safety, Public Works, Police, Fire and Risk Management. 

Certain conditions may be required in order to approve the proposed event.   Depending on the event elements and location, Risk Management may recommend alternative insurance limits.

Step 3.Application Fee

The special events application fee is $103.10 for non-profits and $316.51 for all other applications deemed substantially complete and submitted at least 4 weeks prior to the event. Late applications will incur additional fees of $250 and may not be approved.

Additionally, recycling fees will be determined by Environmental Programs and Operations (EPO) based on the event elements, number of guests and waste plan.  EPO may charge fees ranging from $275 to $551.

Application fee and late fees are non-refundable and are due when the permit application has been determined to be substantially complete.

Other Costs and Fees

In addition to the permit application fee and recycling fee, you may be charged for other fees associated with personnel or resources required for your event. 

Fees may include the cost of police officers and life safety officers assigned to your event upon the review of your application.

• Current rates for life safety officers (CCFD) range from $201.97 to $235.10 per hour, depending on the day and time of your event.
• Police officer rates range from $1,927.46 to $2,188.85 for each officer present at the special event.  Deployment is based on the Police Departments' safety assessment and must be paid prior to issuance of any permit.  

A complete fee schedule for special events can be found on this 2025 Fee Schedule(PDF, 1MB)  (subject to change).

Step 4.Insurance

1. To get started, email the information below to Edgar Varela via email to edgar.varela@culvercity.org with the following information: 

• Company Name
• Contact Person
• Contact Email
• Contact Phone Number
• Company Address
• Description of Services Provided/ Detailed Description of Event 

2. Once the information is received, the City's risk management team will send you the registration link to the City's insurance portal (myCOI).

3. Create your City of Culver City myCOI account and complete the registration form.

4. Upload your Certificate of Insurance and required endorsements. You may also provide the link to your insurance broker so they can upload on your behalf.