The County of Santa Clara provides specific Fire Code Permits for tents, fairs, festivals, fireworks/ special effects, haunted houses, and other special events held at Stanford University. Special Event Application should be submitted to Santa Clara County at least 14 Days prior to the event date.
A Special Event Permit is required for:
- An event that will have 500 or more persons indoors or 1,000 or more persons outdoors (making the event a “Major Event”)
- Road closures
- Tents:
With sides of 400 square feet or more
Without sides (canopy) of 700 square feet or more
- Any concerts, carnivals, fairs, and haunted houses
- Assembly events with 2 or more Cooking Booths
- Assembly events with 4 or more Mobile Food Facilities (Trucks)
- Firework display or pyrotechnic special effects
Other required permits:
- Platforms for the use of 10 or more persons, or are greater than 30” above the ground requires a Building Permit. Platforms/stages and systems constructed integral and which remain attached to a vehicle licensed by the DMV does not require a building permit.
- Site built bleachers, grandstands or other seating structures require a Building Permit.
- Generators or temporary lighting systems require an Electrical Permit.
Members of the Stanford community are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws and university policies – including those governing alcohol consumption and distribution (OSE). The Office of Student Engagement provides information on providing food and alcohol at a university event.
