Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Special Event Permits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves Circus Caballero special event permit for June 18–July 5
Summary
The Planning Commission voted 4-0 to grant a special event permit to Circus Caballero for a multi-parcel event in La Habra scheduled June 18–July 5, subject to staff conditions on parking, traffic flow, noise, and cleanup. The decision becomes final in 10 working days unless appealed.
The La Habra Planning Commission approved Resolution 26‑07 to grant Special Event Permit SEP260001 to Circus Caballero, allowing a traveling circus and auxiliary activities at the vacant lot on the northwest corner of La Habra and Harbor boulevards and a remote parking parcel near Stearns Avenue and Sunset Street. The commission voted 4-0; the decision is final in 10 working days unless appealed to City Council.
City staff presented a detailed site plan and conditions of approval. Associate Planner Jacob Weilinger said the event is proposed to run from June 18 to July 5, with site setup beginning June 15 and cleanup by July 6. Staff said the proposal provides 127 parking spaces — exceeding the La Habra Municipal Code requirement of 106 — including 10 accessible spaces located near the main tent. To reduce neighborhood impacts, staff recommended temporary fencing between the event and adjacent parcels, signage and parking attendants to direct traffic, and a condition restricting vehicles leaving the temporary parking area to right turns toward Harbor Boulevard.
Weilinger presented prior noise measurements from similar Circus Caballero events: roughly 54 decibels at 200 feet, 60 dB at 150 feet and about 65 dB at 100 feet. Staff noted amplified sound will be contained inside the tent and only during approved show times; staff concluded the expected sound levels are similar to ambient conditions along the major corridors near the site and recommended approval with conditions.
Applicant representative Mark Landon told the commission the circus travels with a 40‑yard dumpster, provides trash cans and sweeps the area after each show. Landon said the circus provides in‑house security (he stated six staff), will install temporary striping in the parking parcel, and will post signage to direct accessible parking and control pedestrian access; he said the Harbor Boulevard entrance will be closed to the public and kept for emergency vehicles.
The commission’s motion adopted staff’s revised resolution and conditions of approval. The approval includes standard cleanup requirements, temporary fencing and traffic restrictions; staff noted any appeal must be filed within 10 working days.
