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 special events per calendar year, while allowing applicants to request more through a conditional use permit.

Why it matters: The change would move event permitting into the zoning code, creating a uniform process for staff and applicants and giving the Planning Commission formal review authority for larger gatherings. Commissioners and members of the public pressed staff on how the rules would affect recurring commercial activities, nonprofit events and neighborhood impacts such as parking and blocked driveways.

During public comment, Bettina Voss, manager at Magnolia Vintage, said her business uses special-event permits for car shows and selling events and asked for flexibility. “We do apply for special event permits... the car events, we don't sell at, but it increases our sales because we are a vintage mall,” Voss said. Chamber representatives and business owners asked whether the limits attach to a business or to a property and how the city would use fees. Marie LaViega, president and CEO of the La Habra Chamber, said she needed clarification before taking a position.

Commissioners discussed multiple details: how the code treats events that occur entirely on public property (staff said City-sponsored events and existing large festivals that occur solely on public property remain under Community Services), how parking sufficiency will be judged (staff said historical evidence and site plans will be used), and how enforcement will rely on complaints and subsequent code-enforcement inspections.

The draft lists exemptions including gatherings entirely inside enclosed buildings, garage sales and normal, customary property operations. Fees in the current master schedule were cited as $32 for a small special-event permit and $517 for a large special-event permit.

Commissioners also debated the review timeline. Staff’s draft required large-event applications at least 90 calendar days prior and small-event applications at least 45 days prior to the desired date. Several commissioners and speakers urged longer lead times to give applicants more certainty. The commission amended the submittal deadlines in its motion: large-event applications must be submitted at least 120 days before the event and small-event applications at least 60 days before the event.

Action taken: Commissioner Manley moved that the commission recommend the City Council adopt the ordinance adding chapter 18.65, with the modified submittal periods (120 days for large events and 60 days for small events). Commissioner Cardenas seconded. The motion passed 3-1, with Vice Chair Ramsland voting no. Commissioner Logan Cannon was recorded as excused.

The commission’s recommendation will go to the City Council for final action. Staff and multiple speakers said city staff will provide additional clarifications on applications, exemptions and fee allocations before council consideration.