City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Home MenuReserving Facilities, Parks, & Getting Permits
On this page, you will find all the information you need to reserve parks and facilities for your events, gatherings, or recreational activities. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a community festival, or need a special use permit, Parks & Recreation is here to help. Explore the options available and make your next event a memorable one!
All reservations must be made no less than seven working days prior to the event. All permits must be signed with all applicable fees paid no later than seven working days prior to the event. Reservations are made no more than three months in advance of the event (with the exception of the Jack House).
Special Use Permits
A special use permit is necessary for specific activities that utilize public spaces in ways that require additional oversight or differ from standard usage. Acquiring a special use permit ensures that your event adheres to city regulations, promoting safety and accessibility for all community members.
Special Events Permit
A special event is any organized activity that significantly impacts public property, such as sidewalks, parks, or streets, deviating from the usual land use or requiring a permit. These events can encompass a wide range of activities, including weddings, festivals, athletic competitions, fundraisers, concerts, and public assemblies.
Special events also include organized formations, parades, processions, or assemblies involving people, animals, vehicles, or a combination of these, traveling together on public streets, highways, alleys, sidewalks, or other public ways in a manner that does not adhere to standard traffic regulations. Additionally, any organized activities conducted by individuals, groups, or entities for a shared purpose or benefit, which utilize public facilities and may necessitate city services, also fall under the definition of a special event.
All organizers wishing to host a special event within the City of San Luis Obispo must thoroughly complete a Special Events Permit Application.
All current pricing and regulations are on the application above. If you are closing roads, you will have to complete a Traffic Control Application.
Other Documents
The City of San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing recreational opportunities to all ability levels. We welcome people with disabilities into our recreation programs through specialized programs and inclusion opportunities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits discrimination of for individuals with disabilities, if you need specialized assistance to participate in any City sponsored classes, events or activities, please contact the front desk staff at 805-781-7300 or via email at recreation@slocity.org.
In order to best accommodate your individual needs, we ask that you let us know of any accommodations needed at the time of registration and or at least 48 hours in advance of any City sponsored program. For further information on accommodation requests contact the front desk staff (805-781-7300 & recreation@slocity.org). 711 California Relay Service (which is also capable of handling TTY calls) is also available. The 711 service is available for those calling from within California.