A Special Event Permit allows short-term activities that might not meet the normal development or use standards of the applicable zoning district but may otherwise be acceptable because of their temporary nature. 

Some examples of event elements that would require a Special Event Permit are a partial sidewalk closure, hosting a private event, company buy-outs, live entertainment/music, extending hours of operation, changing of the facade or interior layout, adding structures, or a public event serving food/alcohol.

Please note:

• Effective January 2025, each business is allowed to have 16 Activations, and 16 Special Event Permits per calendar year.
• The submission of a Special Event Permit Application does not guarantee approval.
• Special Event Permits are only issued to properties in commercial zones. 

Special Event Permit Application

To submit your proposal for an activation and/or event, please submit via the City's Portal at: City of West Hollywood Permit & License Portal (tylerhost.net).  Here are the instructions to create an account: Civic Access User Guide or complete a Special Event Permit Application and submit via email

HALLOWEEN 2025 DEADLINES

The deadline for commercial establishments to submit a special event permit application is on Monday, October 6, 2025.  All food trucks who have been pre-approved to participate within the footprint, must submit the temporary peddler's business license applications by Friday, October 10, 2025.

Non-Halloween Submission Deadline

• Applications must be submitted at least 3 business days prior to the event set up date, it excludes Pride and Halloween events (see upcoming deadlines).
• All parking meter reservations require a minimum of 3 business days.
• All encroachment permits (use of public sidewalk/ street) require a minimum of 10 business days. 
• Any event requiring building permits (trusses, weight bearing structures, stages over 30" high, temporary generators over 15KW) must be submitted within 10 business days prior to the event set up date. 
• All weekend requests must be submitted before the end of day of the preceding WEDNESDAY. 
• All temporary advertising installations under the Sunset Boulevard Billboard Policy must first obtain approval from Planning Division. You may submit your request to Antonio Castillo, Senior Planner, at acastillo@weho.org. 

For more information about Special Event Permits, please contact the Neighborhood and Business Safety Administration at (323) 848-6437 or email us at code@weho.org