Special Event Zone Ordinance | Super Bowl LX & FIFA World Cup 2026

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Effective January 15, 2026

Overview

The City of Santa Clara has adopted a Special Event Zone Ordinance, which is in effect as of January 15, 2026. The ordinance applies temporarily during major 2026 events at Levi’s® Stadium, including Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup™ 2026. Its purpose is to support public safety, emergency access, traffic flow, pedestrian mobility, and consumer protection during these globally significant events.

The ordinance is temporary, event-specific, and geographically limited to the area surrounding Levi’s Stadium. It applies only during designated activation periods and does not create new permanent regulations.

What the Ordinance Does

Within the Special Event Zone and only during activation periods, the ordinance:

Temporarily pauses sidewalk vending permits within the Special Event Zone

Prohibits mobile-unit vending (carts, trailers, wagons, bikes, etc.)

Restricts outdoor sales of merchandise, food, or beverages, except by approved fixed-location businesses

Requires permits for temporary structures (tents, canopies, inflatables, wireless equipment) on non-residential property

Prohibits outdoor giveaways or free promotional sampling, except for the distribution of coupons outside an enclosed building when the distribution directly supports that business.

Prohibits mobile advertising displays

Activation Period

Event	Activation Period
Super Bowl LX	February 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. through February 10, 2026 at 10 p.m.

Special Event Zone Map

View the Special Event Zone Map for Super Bowl LX.

FIFA World Cup 2026 and other Major Events

The Special Event Zone Map and activation periods for other Major Events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, will be established by City Council resolution. The City anticipates returning to the City Council in early spring to set the Special Event Zone boundaries and activation period for the FIFA World Cup 2026 once operational plans are finalized, to ensure accuracy and transparency.

View the Ordinance

For More Information

Questions or comments can be directed to specialeventzone@santaclaraca.gov. Subscribe to receive updates, notices, and outreach materials:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the City proposing this ordinance?
To support public safety, emergency access, mobility management, and orderly operations during global-scale events that bring heavy crowds, media, and commercial activity.

Will this affect residents and businesses?
Only those located in or adjacent to the Special Event Zone, and only during activation periods.

Can existing businesses keep their current signs during the Special Event Zone activation period?
Yes. All existing, legally permitted permanent signs on a business may remain in place during the Special Event Zone activation period. This includes monument signs, wall signs, window signs, and any other signage previously approved through the City’s normal permitting process.

Can businesses put up temporary signs, banners, or promotional materials?
Temporary commercial signs, such as banners, flags, inflatables, portable signs, LED displays, or promotional wraps, are not allowed within the Special Event Zone unless they:

Qualify as exempt signs under Santa Clara Zoning Code §18.42.070, or
Have received a valid sign permit from the City under Zoning Code Chapter 18.42.

If a business would like to install temporary signage for event-related promotions or special offerings, they must apply for a sign permit in advance and receive approval before installation.

Can I operate my vending business inside the Special Event Zone during activation periods?
No. During the activation periods for Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, peddlers and mobile vendors are not permitted to operate within the Special Event Zone, even if they hold a valid sidewalk vending permit. This temporary pause applies only to the Zone and only for the duration of the event period.

Can I operate my vending business outside the Special Event Zone during activation periods?
Yes. Vendors may operate anywhere outside the Special Event Zone as long as they comply with all requirements of Santa Clara City Code Chapter 5.05. This includes:

Holding a valid vending permit

Complying with all distance, placement, and safety requirements

Following County health and food-handling rules

Your permit remains fully valid outside the Special Event Zone.

Can I move to another permitted location during activation periods?
Yes. If your current operating location is inside the Special Event Zone, you may:

Operate at any alternate permitted location listed on your permit, or

Request information on other permissible areas outside the Zone.

The pause applies only to vending within the Zone—not citywide.

Why are vendors restricted from operating in the Zone?
The City is implementing the ordinance to:

Maintain emergency access

Support crowd safety and congestion management

Prevent conflicts with security screening and pedestrian surges

Reduce risks of counterfeit or unsafe products

Are the regulations permanent?
No. They are temporary, geographically limited, and tied only to major events.

Where can I read the full ordinance?
View the ordinance adopted on December 16, 2025

Last Updated:

02-02-2026