Event Planning Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

   Required if operating as a business entity (LLC or corporation) or if you have employees. Free from the IRS. You will need an EIN to open a business bank account and sign vendor contracts professionally.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online application)

   Free

   Immediate (online application)

1. California Business Registration

   Event planning businesses operating in California must register with the California Secretary of State if operating as an LLC, corporation, or partnership. Sole proprietors using a trade name must file a DBA registration with the state or county clerk. An LLC provides personal liability protection, which is especially important when coordinating large events.

   Official government source

   $70 (LLC Articles) or $100 (corporation) + $800/yr FTB minimum tax; county FBN filing if using a trade name·1–7 business days (online)

   $70 (LLC Articles) or $100 (corporation) + $800/yr FTB minimum tax; county FBN filing if using a trade name

   1–7 business days (online)

2. California Sales Tax Permit (if applicable)

   Event planning/coordination services are not subject to California sales tax. If you sell tangible goods (decor, favors, florals), register for a free CDTFA seller's permit and collect tax on those sales.

   Official government source

   Free·Immediate (online)

   Free

   Immediate (online)

1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

   All businesses operating in the City of San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the Office of the City Treasurer. It is a tax registration, not a regulatory license. The fee is based on employee count only: $34/year for businesses with 12 or fewer employees, or $125/year plus $5 per employee for 13 or more employees. Every application and renewal adds a $4 state-mandated SB-1186 fee, and beginning July 1, 2025 an annual Minimum Wage Enforcement Fee of $1.47 per employee also applies. Renewed annually.

   Official government source

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees·1–2 weeks

   $38/year for most small businesses ($34 business tax + $4 SB-1186 fee; 12 or fewer employees); $129/year + $5 and $1.47 per employee for 13+ employees

   1–2 weeks

2. San Diego Special Event Permit (for events in public spaces)

   Events using City of San Diego public streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, or parks require a Special Event Permit from the city's Special Events & Filming office. As the event planner you may apply on your client's behalf. Applications are submitted through the city's online special-event application system and require event details and proof of general liability insurance; apply early - late applications incur an $80-per-business-day late fee.

   Official government source

   $341 application processing fee (plus $80 per business day late fee; city services such as police or traffic control are billed additionally)·2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

   $341 application processing fee (plus $80 per business day late fee; city services such as police or traffic control are billed additionally)

   2–6 weeks (apply at least 30 days in advance for most events; 60+ days for large events)

3. San Diego County Temporary Use / Special Event Permit (if applicable)

   Events held on unincorporated San Diego County land (outside city limits), or large outdoor events on private property in the unincorporated area, may require a temporary-use/community-event approval from San Diego County Planning & Development Services - separate from any city permit. Food service at events also triggers County DEHQ temporary food facility permits. Contact County PDS for whether your event site and size require a permit and current fees.

   Official government source

   Varies - contact San Diego County Planning & Development Services for current temporary-use/community-event fees·2–4 weeks

   Varies - contact San Diego County Planning & Development Services for current temporary-use/community-event fees

   2–4 weeks

Official Sources

• San Diego Business Licensing
• California Secretary of State — Business Registration
• IRS EIN Application

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