Special Event Permits

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Starting the Process

Large group of people standing on sidewalk under a tree The process starts with the City of Mountain View Community Services Department, Recreation Division. Recreation Division staff will act as your liaison, assist you in obtaining the permits needed and provide you with guidance and direction regarding the special event permit process. Special event permits will only be awarded to nonprofit and civic organizations which provide service to residents of Mountain View.

Special event applications and application fees are due 90 days prior to an event date.

For additional information, please call (650) 903-6446.

Special Events Overview

Any event scheduled to take place within the City of Mountain View is a special event, including events which:

Will be conducted on or contiguous to a City street, sidewalk, alley or other right-of-way
May be conducted in other public areas or events on private property which are likely to obstruct, delay or interfere with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
May require special accommodations, regulations, or waiver of the usual traffic laws or controls
Are likely to generate a crowd of spectators sufficient in size to obstruct, delay or interfere with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic
May generate a crowd of sufficient size to restrict access to parks, recreation areas or other public areas
Are likely to result in the need, for public safety reasons, for Police regulation, monitoring or control

Some examples of special events are runs, street fairs, festivals, car rallies and outdoor music concerts or any other gathering of merchants, craftspeople, artists or other sellers of goods for the primary purpose of display and sale to the public.

Usually there are costs associated with hosting any special event, for example, assistance required from Police Department, Fire Department, Public Services Division, Solid Waste Division and/or Community Services Department staff.

Depending on the nature of the event, you may also be required to have and pay for portable toilets, trash removal, recycling, emergency services, etc.

The Recreation Division will provide you with an analysis of these costs after submitting your application and will direct you regarding the next steps you will need to take to fulfill City requirements.

Documents to Accompany Special Event Application

Application + Application fee of $135.00
Nonprofit Tax Status Identification Number
Public Notification Letter
Map of Area and Streets Impacted by Event
Special Event Application

Street Banner Hanging Applications

The City of Mountain View permits the hanging of banners in two locations within the City:

El Camino Real @ Bay Street (near Grant Road)
El Camino Real @ Rengstorff Avenue

Banner Hanging Applications may be filed up to twelve (12) months but no later than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled event. The Banner Permit cost is $202.00.

For more specific information regarding banner hangings within the City of Mountain View call (650) 903-6446. Completed applications may be sent to 266 Escuela Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040.

Sound Amplification Applications

Sound amplification permits are issued through the City of Mountain View Recreation Division. Sound Amplification Applications must be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the scheduled event. Permits are not issued for private residences. Sound Amplification Permits cost $25.00. Recreation staff will act as your liaison and assist you in obtaining needed permits in both instances.

For more information or questions regarding the process, call (650) 903-6446. Completed applications may be sent to 266 Escuela Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040.

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