Entertainment Permits

The City of Sacramento encourages the development of arts and culture in order to provide rich and diverse cultural experiences for the City's residents and its visitors. For venues that provide ongoing entertainment, they are required to obtain a two-year entertainment permit.

The permit evaluates the conditions necessary for a venue to provide entertainment (live music, DJ, etc.) During the permit process, staff will inspect the venue for state and city building codes, fire, plumbing, electrical codes, and zoning regulations and will identify corrections which must be addressed prior to permit issuance.

There are two entertainment permits: 1) for ongoing entertainment at a venue, you need a two-year special permit, or 2) for one-time events, you need a special entertainment permit. For special entertainment permits, please allow enough time in advance of the event for review, inspection and possible re-inspection.

**Change in Fees**

Please note effective July 1, 2024 fees have increased per City Resolution 2024-0153 adopted May 14, 2024.  

Apply for / renew entertainment permit or special entertainment permit

  1. Please read the Entertainment Permit Instructions for information on the application process.
  2. Contact staff via e-mail or call (916) 808-3535 to schedule a permit application intake appointment.
  3. Bring the following to your application appointment:
  • Entertainment Permit Application (with property owner signature)
  • Current City of Sacramento Business Operations Tax (BOT) Certificate
  • Current State of California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license (if applicable)
  • All applicable fees

New Two-year Entertainment permit application fee: $2,230.00

Entertainment permit renewal process fee: $1,720.00

Special Entertainment Permit application fee: $1,820.00

Live Scan fee (Applicant, Co-Applicants, Managers): $88.00 (per individual)

 

All Entertainment Permit/Special Entertainment Applicants, Co-Applicants and Managers must complete a live scan with the Sacramento Police Department. Please see the Entertainment Permit – Live Scan Process instructions for more information.

Manager modifications

Change existing permit conditions

Complete the Entertainment Permit Modifications Form and submit it to the indicated address. Various City departments will be checking for life safety issues and will provide recommendations for your modification request. All requests are subject to City approval. 

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