Special events

The City of Carlsbad’s Special Events page highlights a wide variety of community‑oriented activities and celebrations throughout the year — from seasonal festivals and family‑friendly gatherings to cultural happenings — presented by the Parks & Recreation Department for residents and visitors to enjoy. It also provides information on event planning and permitting for organizers looking to host special events on city property. 

Permits

The City of Carlsbad’s Permits page outlines the types of permits available for businesses and individuals — such as building and development, boating and special event permits — and provides links and guidance on when permits are required and how to apply. It serves as a centralized resource to help business owners and project applicants navigate local permitting requirements and connect with the appropriate city departments. 

Film permits

The City of Carlsbad does not have a film ordinance; therefore, the city does not issue “filming” permits for commercials, informational videos, television shows, movies and other productions within the city limits. In some cases, another permit process is required depending on the location and activity type.

• All businesses doing work in the City of Carlsbad must have a city business license. The license tax for the taking of motion pictures, shots or scenes for commercial purposes, or for commercial use or in connection with the production for commercial purposes of any motion picture play or production is $30 for the first day and $10 day thereafter, when private property exclusively is used, and $100 for the first day and $50 for each day thereafter when public property is used.
• Activity on private property within the city must be with the consent of the property owner, and affected parties should be notified ahead of time.
• Activity on private property may need a minor special event permit issued by Carlsbad’s Community & Economic Development Department (760-602-2721).
• Activity on public right of ways in Carlsbad may need a special event permit if the activity does not comply with legal traffic and parking regulations or pose any restrictions to public access. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department’s Special Events Division (442-339-2292) or email specialeventpermits@carlsbadca.gov.
• Activity contained in a city park or facility may need a facility use permit. Contact the Parks & Recreation Department (442-339-2510).
• Activity involving tents, cooking, flame-producing equipment, pyrotechnics, generators, etc., may require a permit from the City of Carlsbad Fire Prevention Office (442-339-2670).  
• Activity on the beach may need a permit from California State Parks. Contact sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.

For developers and major projects

Land use and zoning 

The City of Carlsbad’s Zoning page explains the city’s land-use regulations and provides tools like the interactive zoning map to help residents, developers and property owners understand permitted uses, development standards and zoning classifications across the community. It also connects visitors to key resources including the zoning ordinance, maps and Planning Division support to guide growth and development in Carlsbad. 

The Village & Barrio Plan land use page helps Carlsbad residents understand how future  development and design will shape their historic downtown neighborhoods. It provides easy-to- use maps and information about zoning, neighborhood character and community planning goals to keep residents informed and engaged. 

Development process guides 

The Community Development Department creates process guides to improve transparency and accountability, outlining key workflows, staff and customer responsibilities and expectations. These guides provide an overview of the city’s regulatory framework and customer-focused processes, rather than a full description of daily operations.  

Real estate and site selection – contact the Economic Development Team if you’re interested in starting a new site or expanding a site in Carlsbad – fill out our Small Business Intake Form. 

Keep Carlsbad beautiful 

Environmental sustainability is a key priority for City Council. As a result, the city developed an ambitious plan that complies with new statewide environmental regulations and incorporates additional city laws, or ordinances, to increase sustainable habits across the city. 

Carlsbad Green Business Program 

Carlsbad offers a free Green Business Program, helping businesses implement sustainable practices while enhancing their bottom line. Our program representatives guide businesses through the process from start to finish, making going “green” as straightforward as possible.  

Certified businesses receive City Council recognition and can access up to $250 in rebates for purchases made to meet certification measures.  

Other organizations supporting sustainability 

Local 

The Center for Sustainable Energy provides Carlsbad and other community residents with resources and incentives to adopt clean energy, drive electric vehicles and improve energy efficiency at home. These programs make it easier and more affordable for residents to participate in sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. 

Cleantech San Diego is a nonprofit, member‑based business association dedicated to positioning the greater San Diego region as a leader in clean technology by fostering collaboration, advocacy and equitable investment in sustainable energy, transportation and environmental solutions. Its work supports local innovation, connects public, private, and academic partners and helps accelerate clean tech adoption for the benefit of the economy, environment and community. 

The SDG&E Economic Development Rate (EDR) program offers eligible businesses a discounted electric rate — typically a 12 percent reduction on the electric portion of their bill for up to five years— to support business growth, job creation and retention within the utility’s service territory. It’s designed to help attract and keep businesses in the San Diego region by lowering energy costs and encouraging economic development. 

State 

The California Energy Commission’s Energy Efficiency page highlights the state’s efforts to adopt and promote energy‑saving standards, programs and resources that help residents and businesses use less energy, reduce utility costs and cut air pollution. It provides information on appliance and building efficiency regulations, compliance tools and consumer resources to support more sustainable energy use across California. 

The California Green Business Network’s “Get Certified” page invites businesses to join a statewide sustainability initiative by earning official Green Business certification, with free guidance to adopt environmentally responsible practices that reduce waste, conserve energy and water and prevent pollution. Certified businesses gain recognition for their environmental  leadership and join a community working to build healthier, more sustainable local economies.