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EVENTS ORDINANCE

OVERVIEW

The purpose of the proposed Events Ordinance is to establish new regulations and amendments in the Zoning Code to better address event-related land uses in unincorporated Los Angeles County. The lack of explicit event regulations has made it challenging to manage enforcement of unpermitted event operations, as well as to provide guidance on legally establishing these uses while minimizing the potential impacts to their surroundings. The Events Ordinance includes the following Zoning Code changes to improve event-related regulations and support communities countywide:

  1. New definitions to differentiate event uses and guide permitting
  2. Adding “event facilities” as a discretionary land use to the Zoning Code, including standards for development and enforcement
  3. Amending the existing Special Event Permits (SEPs) procedures for clarification

DEFINITIONS

Several new definitions will be added to Title 22, including an “Event facilities and special events” definition category, to establish clarification between types of event-related uses. The following terms are the main focus of the Events Ordinance:

  • An “event” is a general term defined to mean “A public or private gathering of attendees as spectators or participants in planned informational, ceremonial, celebratory, entertainment, or amusement activities.” This can include all types of events whether or not they need permit approval.
  • An “event facility” is defined as “a commercial venue that hosts events for a fee on private property, including but not limited to, weddings, banquets, conferences, concerts, or animal related events.” This will be a conditionally permitted primary land use allowing commercial events on a regular basis in certain zones. This term is separate from and does not replace other defined terms in the Zoning Code, such as “outdoor festival”, “private recreation club”, “rodeo”, etc. which may also allow for certain event activities within those entitlements.
  • A “special event” is a type of event, specifically defined as “a short-term or extended-term use, activity, or event that is temporary and may not otherwise be allowed in the applicable zone, but may be approved by a Special Event Permit due to its limited or temporary nature, provided that such a special event is evaluated for compatibility with surrounding land uses to ensure potential impacts are adequately mitigated. This definition does not include a noncommercial gathering for personal guests of the owner or residents of a property.” Separate approvals by other departments may be needed for special events occurring on public property.

EVENT FACILITIES

Event facilities will be a new land use added to the Zoning Code with countywide regulations. These will be primary uses allowed in certain zones by Conditional Use Permit. Applicable zones include R-R, A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, C-M, C-MJ, C-R, C-RU, M-1, M-1.5, M-2, M-2.5, MXD and certain Specific Plan zones. Events occurring at an event facility would not be considered special events, unless otherwise approved as such by a SEP.

Event facility regulations include:

  • Application requirements include a noise management plan, traffic and parking management plan, and emergency management plan
  • Requirements for an on-site manager to be responsible for the duration of the event, be available for contact, maintain a log of all events, activities and complaints, and implement the applicable management plans and conditions of approval
  • Development standards cover noise and amplified sound restrictions, parking and circulation, two distinct means of access for locations in VHFHSZs, buffers between event facilities, a 10-acre minimum lot size for locations in an agricultural zone or on the same lot as a single-family residence, lighting, and safety and security measures
  • Additional conditions for operating hours, event frequency, and other noise considerations as deemed necessary by the hearing body
  • Any violations of these provisions are subject to enforcement procedures of the Los Angeles County Code in Chapter 22.242 of Title 22 and Chapter 1.25 of Title 1.

Event facilities located in the Santa Monica Mountains North Area Community Standards District (CSD) will continue to be regulated by the event facility regulations established in Chapter 22.336. Minor changes will be made for consistency. If the CSD is silent on a particular matter, the countywide event facility regulations will apply.

Event facilities will also be added to the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program in zones R-C, C-2, and R-R, and will require a major CDP.

SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS

Chapter 22.188 of the Zoning Code establishes the permitting and review processes for Special Event Permits (SEPs) with short-term and extended-term time periods. Special events are considered temporary uses and allowed in most zones. Amendments to the SEP regulations include:

  • Clarifying the types of non-profit and commercial short-term special events and where they can occur
  • Adding a maximum time period of 12 weekends or 14 consecutive days for extended-term special events (with some exceptions)
  • Adding standards for locations in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZs) and Significant Ecological Areas (SEAs)
  • Adding distance buffers to prevent overconcentration of special events occurring on the same days/times
  • Listing types of prohibited special events
  • Clarifying the application and review procedures timing for SEPs
  • Adding language for additional inspection and enforcement requirements

CONTACT

LA County Planning
Ordinance Studies Section
213-974-6432
ordinance@planning.lacounty.gov

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