Temporary Use Permits/ Temporary Shelters

A Temporary Use Permit (TUP) is required for a temporary (short-term) land use activity that is interim, non-permanent, and/or seasonal in nature, and lasting a short period of time, generally not more than 30 consecutive days but in no event longer than 365 consecutive days.  TUPs are regulated in chapter 18.94 of the East Palo Alto Municipal Code. 

The category of a temporary use permit (major/minor) is based on the proposed duration, size, and type of use. Some temporary uses may be exempt from a temporary use permit. 

If the project is not exempt, a TUP will be required for the temporary event. Please note that all TUPs require a 15-day appeal period.  A Director’s hearing will be required for major TUP application, which would be events lasting between 31 to 365 days. 

The first step in the TUP process is to submit the universal planning application and associated materials, as described below, for confirmation that all development standards are met. Once the temporary use permit has been approved, the 15-day appeal period starts, providing the public an opportunity to appeal the decision. If building permits would be required (such as for the installation of temporary structures, tents or stages), the permits can be issued after the appeal period lapses and no appeals are filed.  

- Universal Planning Application for applying for a TUP (click the text for the link)

- Master TUP for temporary shelters (click the text for the webpage)

Please read the following list of documents that are required for a complete TUP application package carefully. The applicant is solely responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits for the event. Please make sure that you apply for all necessary permits relevant to your event, including, but not limited to, Santa Clara County and Menlo Fire District review  

1. Complete Universal Planning Application 

2. Operational Letter: The operational letter should contain the project description, the operational dates and times of the event, information about the number of people that will be attending this event, current site conditions and use, recycling and trash information and other relevant information regarding the event. 

3. Site plans, lighting plans and parking plans.  

4. If there are any structures which are being proposed to be constructed for this TUP then structural drawings for each structure will need to be submitted. 

5. It is the applicant's responsibility to work directly with the Menlo Fire District for a permit for a temporary event which would require their review. Please contact Menlo Fire directly at 650-688-8400. 

6. Payment for the application. (Please email us at planning@cityofepa.org for more information on the associated payment for your TUP application) 

7. Please note that if you are planning to have food items, and/or cooking at your event, a San Mateo County sticker will be required for the operation of your event. It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the necessary permits from the San Mateo County.  

Frequently asked questions

1. How far back to the event should I apply for a TUP? 

Staff recommends that an application should ideally be submitted as early as possible, and no later than 60 days before the start the event in case of an appeal, incomplete application materials, or delay in other permits etc. that may lead to unvoidable/unanticipated delays. 

2. How long does it take for the review of a TUP? 

Once a complete application, with all the application materials received, the initial review can take 30 days.  An approval can be issued once it is confirmed all requirements have been made.  Once the approval is issued, a 15-day appeal period follows.  If no appeals are filed within the period, the permit is deemed effective after. Please note that delays may happen if an incomplete application packet is submitted. Please refer to the list of documents required for a complete TUP application package above. If an event requires a building permit, the building permit cannot be issued until after the TUP is deemed effective. Please contact the building department directly to check whether your event requires a building permit.  

3. What is an operational letter? How do I create one? 

Operational letter is a letter which describes the event details. The letter should include the following: project/event description, the operational dates and times of the event, information about the number of people that will be attending this event, current site conditions and use, recycling and trash information and other relevant information regarding the event. 

4. What is a 15-day appeal period?  

Per the East Palo Alto Municipal Code, 15-day appeal period is the time given to the public to request that the decision be reconsidered by the next level authority, such as the Planning Commission. If a TUP is appealed, it will be scheduled for a Planning Commission meeting for their consideration. 

5. Do I need to apply for any other permit to do a temporary event in the city? 

Yes, depending on the type of event, you might require a separate review from Menlo Fire District and San Mateo County. It is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain all the necessary permits from county and the Menlo Fire District for their event.