Application Timeline and Process

The application and approval process for an Outdoor Festival is a multi-step process that requires 90 days to complete.

Application for license and fees

90 days or more prior to the planned event:

• Applicant must complete application and submit to the Central Collections Division of the Tax Collector Department, along with a $100 application fee and $300 environmental review fee. Per Butte County Code Section 12-30, fees shall be waived for non-profit organizations.

Environmental review

Upon receipt of the application:

• The Tax Collector will forward the application to the Planning Division of the Development Services Department.
• The Planning Division will review the application to determine whether it is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as a minor temporary use of land. 
• If a determination is made that the event is not exempt, Tax Collector shall deny application. 
• If a determination is made that the event is exempt, application processing shall continue.

Timeline for Public Hearing, Investigation and Reports

The Tax Collector shall request the Board of Supervisors to set a time and date for a public hearing. Between 30-60 days after receiving the request for a public hearing, the Clerk of the Board shall set a date for the public hearing.

At least 10 days prior to the public hearing: 

• The Clerk of the Board shall notify the applicant that a public hearing has been scheduled.​​​​
• The Clerk of the Board shall publish a notice of the public hearing.
• The Clerk of the Board shall notify the applicant that a public hearing has been scheduled.
• The Clerk of the Board shall notify area neighbors of the date of the public hearing
• The Clerk of the Board shall notify the following departments/agencies of the date of the public hearing:​​  Sheriff, Fire, CHP,  Public Health, Development Services,  and Air Quality Control.

Prior to the time set for the hearing:

• The departments listed above shall investigate the matter and report to the Board of Supervisors no later than the time set for the hearing.

On the public hearing date:

• The Board shall consider documentary and testimonial evidence before granting a license. The Board may also impose conditions and security to guarantee that conditions will be met.

Non-profit organizations shall be exempt from paying the application and license fees provided for in this code section provided.