La Habra planning commission backs ordinance to codify special-event permits, raises annual allowance

The La Habra Planning Commission on Oct. 13 voted 3-1 to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance adding chapter 18.65 to the La Habra Municipal Code to codify rules for special-event permits on private property and in the public right of way.

Associate planner Jacob Whitelenga told commissioners the city currently processes event requests without a codified permit standard. “Currently the application review and approval of special event permits for the uses other than seasonal commercial sales lots is not codified,” Whitelenga said, adding the proposed chapter would make the city’s practices clearer and easier to enforce.

The ordinance, as drafted by staff, would define small and large special events; require administrative approval for small events and discretionary, noticed public hearings for large events; and set minimum submittal times. Staff’s proposal limited businesses to four special events with outdoor sales and up to 12 total…