Purpose
San Diego Municipal Code § 22.4002
in effect§22.4002 Purpose
It is the purpose of the Council to establish a process for permitting Special Events conducted by the private sector to use City Streets, facilities or services. It is recognized that these Special Events enhance the San Diego lifestyle and provide benefits to the citizens through the creation of unique venues for expression and entertainment that are not normally provided as a part of governmental services. Additionally, it is recognized that Tax–exempt Non–profit Organizations that benefit the community are central to the quality of life in San Diego and that they often develop through their Special Events the resources to provide essential services to the citizens of the City and County of San Diego. By recognizing Special Event Venues, it is further intended to supplement land use regulations, to provide a coordinated process for the regulation of certain activities to be conducted in conjunction with Special Events, to ensure the health and safety of patrons of Special Events, to prohibit illegal activity from occurring within Special Event Venues, and to protect the rights and interests granted a Special Event Permit holder. It is further intended to create a mechanism for cost recovery and revenue sharing for Commercial Special Events without having an adverse effect on those Events that contribute to the community. It is also the intent of the Council to protect the rights of its citizens to engage in protected free speech expression activities and yet allow for the least restrictive and reasonable, time, place and manner regulation of those activities within the overall context of rationally regulating Commercial Special Events that have an impact upon public facilities and services.
(“Purpose” added 11–18–1997 by O–18439 N.S.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter02/Ch02Art02Division40.pdf#page=1Fetched: 10/28/2026