Airport Event Requirements

Overview

The LA County airports offer a unique and exciting environment to host events. To host an event at one of the County airports, please contact the airport manager to obtain an application and discuss opportunities and requirements for doing so. 

Overall, a Special Event and Site Use Application/Agreement (Airport Event Permit) approved by Public Works shall be required for all events conducted on the County-owned airports. Public Works shall be notified by the event applicant of any proposed events to occur on an airport at least 60 days in advance of the proposed event. Exceptions to this notification requirement will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Hosting an event at one of the County airports is simple as meeting the following requirements:  

1. Advance Notification 

• The event applicant must notify the Airport Manager a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days prior to the proposed event date. 

• Requests submitted with less than sixty (60) days’ notice may be denied or considered only on a case‑by‑case basis at the sole discretion of Public Works. 

2. Initial Applicant Information (Required Prior to Application) 

• Before an application is provided or accepted, the applicant must supply, at a minimum:  

• Applicant name and/or legal entity  

• Sponsoring organization (if applicable) 

• Primary contact information (address, phone number, email)  

• Description and stated purpose of the proposed event – Proposed event dates and times (including setup and strike with deliveries and pick-up dates) 

• Proposed event location(s) on airport property   

• Description of planned activities  

• Estimated attendance   

• Identification of anticipated participation by government officials, elected officials, Board offices, or media 

* Incomplete information will delay or preclude further consideration. 

3. Preliminary Review and Authorization 

• Submission of initial information does not constitute approval or authorization to proceed. 

• No planning, coordination, advertising, or public announcement of the event may occur until authorization is granted by the Director of Public Works. 

• Public Works reserves the right to deny the proposed event at any stage prior to final permit approval. 

4. Completed Airport Event Permit Application 

• A fully completed and signed Special Event and Site Use Application/Agreement must be submitted no less than thirty (30) calendar days prior to the proposed event date. 

• All requested attachments and exhibits must be included at the time of submission. 

5. Site Plan (Exhibit A) 

• A detailed site plan must be submitted showing: 

• Approved access points 

• Event footprint and boundaries 

• Structures, tents, stages, equipment, and vendor locations 

• Restrooms, First Aid, Security booths etc. 

• Emergency vehicle access routes 

• Restricted and non‑public areas 

• The site plan must reflect that no access to runways, taxiways, aircraft ramps, or restricted aviation areas will occur unless expressly authorized in writing. 

6. Insurance Requirements (Mandatory Prior to Permit Execution) 

• Proof of General Liability Insurance with a minimum combined single limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence. 

• Insurance must: 

• Be issued by a carrier acceptable to the County 

• Name the County of Los Angeles and its officers, employees, and agents as Additional Insured 

• Be primary and non‑contributory to County insurance 

• A valid Certificate of Insurance must be submitted prior to the event and before any access to airport property. 

7. Indemnification Agreement 

• Applicant must agree to fully indemnify, defend, release, and hold harmless the County of Los Angeles from any claims, damages, losses, or liabilities arising from the event, except to the extent caused by County negligence. 

8. Fees, Deposits, and Cost Recovery  

• All required fees, usage charges, and security/damage deposits must be paid in full at the time of permit execution. 

• Fees are non‑refundable once dates and areas are booked. 

• Additional charges may apply for: 

• County site or safety representatives 

• Extended use beyond approved dates or times 

• Failure to restore areas to original condition 

• Violation or failure to comply with agreement 

9. Advertising and Public Communications 

• All advertising, promotional, or marketing materials referencing the event or the airport must be submitted to the County for review and approval prior to distribution. 

• Advertising may not begin until the fully executed Airport Event Permit is issued or approved in writing by the county. 

10. Property Use and Modifications 

• No modification, alteration, attachment, or installation on airport property is permitted without prior written County approval. 

• Any proposed modifications must be submitted in writing at least five (5) working days prior to commencement. 

• Applicant is responsible for restoring all areas to their original condition and for all cleanup, repair, or replacement costs. 

11. Operational and Safety Compliance 

• Applicant must acknowledge and agree that:  

• Airports are active aviation facilities with ongoing aircraft operations and associated noise  

• Event activities must not interfere with airport operations, tenants, or public safety  

• All applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations must be followed  

• County retains full authority to suspend or cancel the event if safety, compliance, or nuisance concerns arise 

No Airport Event Permit will be issued until all requirements outlined in this document and the Special Event and Site Use Application/Agreement are fully satisfied, reviewed, and approved in writing by the County of Los Angeles. Failure to meet any requirement may result in denial or revocation of event privileges.