Local events are a great way to bring communities closer together. Many public events operate sporadically, becoming anticipated festivities and a point of pride for the hosting community. Other events, such as those that operate in conjunction with certified farmers markets, operate year-round and draw the community to buy local fresh fruits and vegetables.
Because community events are designed to attract large crowds, are put together quickly, and can employ temporary equipment and personnel, it is imperative that these be evaluated to mitigate the risk of foodborne illness outbreak. This evaluation occurs through permitting with the Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Division Consumer Protection Program.
Who Must Apply for a Permit?
In accordance with California Health and Safety Code (CA H&SC) §114381.1 and §114381.2 the following individuals or organizations must apply for a health permit:
- The individual or organization holding the event if two or more food and/or beverage operators will be included in the event
- Individual food and beverage vendors or operators
What Types of Permits Are Required?
The individual or organization holding the event must apply for a one-time or year-round event organizer permit. A one-time event is one that runs no more than 25 consecutive or non-consecutive days in a 90 period. A year-round event is one that runs no more than 25 consecutive or non-consecutive days in a 90 day period but runs more than one 90-day cycle.
Individual food or beverage vendors/operators must apply for a one-time or year-round temporary food facility permit. A one-time event is one that runs no more than 25 consecutive or non-consecutive days in a 90 period. A year-round event is one that runs no more than 25 consecutive or non-consecutive days in a 90 day period but runs more than one 90-day cycle.
Individuals with a current Santa Cruz County mobile food facility or compact mobile food facility permit do not need to apply for a separate temporary food facility permit if serving from their mobile food facility. Only individual vendors/ operators with temporary food and mobile food facility permits are allowed at the event.
When Must I Apply for a Health Permit?
Community Event Organizer and Temporary Food Facility permit forms and fees must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the event in accordance with California Health and Safety Code regulations. This allows for review of applications, vetting of food sources, review or shared event installations, and proper allocation of staffing.
All completed applications can be mailed or delivered to:
County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Division
701 Ocean St., Room 312,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Monday through Thursday 8AM-12PM (closed holidays)
Applications less than two weeks before the event are considered late.
Late applications are subject to a 25% late fee. Applications submitted
less than three days before an event will
NOT be accepted. Event organizers are required to obtain an
Event Organizer Permit and ensure they collect the
Temporary Food Facility Permit (booth) applications from all food vendors who do not already have a Temporary Food Facility-Annual, TFF Annual- Packaged/ Sampling, or MFF permit. The event organizer ensures that all food vendors comply with all laws and regulations.
Community Events Held in Conjunction with Certified Farmers Markets
A community event can be operated in conjunction with a Certified Farmers Market to allow the sale of non-agricultural products. A separate Certified Farmers Market Permit is required for the certified agricultural products section.
Swap Meets
Swap meets are considered community events, but are limited to service of prepackaged, non-potentially hazardous foods and whole-uncut produce and permitted mobile food facilities in accordance with CA H&SC §114335(a). Event organizer and temporary food facility permitting requirements apply.