A Community Event is defined in the California Retail Code (Cal Code) as an event that is of a civic, political, public, or educational nature; including state and county fairs, city festivals, circuses, and other public gathering events approved by the local enforcement agency. The event must be held on public property and the organizer or sponsor is a public agency or non-profit organization for charitable purposes. It may also be formally recognized by a local jurisdiction’s adoption of a proclamation designating the event as a Community Event. It shall not include a swap meet, flea market, swap mall, seasonal sporting event, grand opening celebration, anniversary celebration, or similar functions.
The event must have a Community Event Coordinator or Coordinators who are responsible for representing an organization that is in control of an event that has one or more temporary food facilities in operation.
To apply for a Community Event Coordinator permit, apply with fees to the Environmental Health office a minimum of Thirty (30) Days before the first day of the event between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. All applications must have the following documentation to complete the application:
- List of vendors planning to attend the event
- Site plan of the event area and facilities
Important information for Event Coordinators:
Complete Community Event Coordinator Booklet (PDF)
Event Coordinator Permit Application (PDF)
What is a Temporary Food Facility?**
As is printed in the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code), a Temporary Food Facility (i.e. tent, booth, stand) is a food facility approved by the enforcement officer that may be readily disassembled for storage or transport. A temporary food facility generally operates at a fixed location for the duration of an approved community event or at a swap meet. Similarly, there is a Non-Profit Temporary Food Facility (i.e. Scouts, 4-H, etc.), which means it is a temporary food facility (as defined in Section 113930), that is conducted and operated by a corporation incorporated under the Nonprofit Corporation Law (Div. 2 (commencing with Section 5000), Title 1, Corp. C.). This is exempt from taxation under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and Section 23701 (d) of the Revenue and Taxation Code or meets the requirements of Section 214 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. A Nonprofit Temporary Food Facility may also be an established club or organization of students that operates under the authorization of a school or educational facility.
Important information about Temporary Food Facilities:
Can I Operate a Temporary Food Facility (PDF)
Structural Requirements (PDF)
Cal Code (Section 114335 & 114294) (PDF) - Temporary & Mobile Food
Complete Temporary Food Facility Booklet (PDF)
Temporary Food Facility Permit Application (PDF)