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

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The City of Santa Clara is considering a Special Event Zone Ordinance that would apply temporarily during major 2026 events at Levi’s^_® Stadium, including Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup™ 2026. The goal is to support public safety, emergency access, traffic flow, pedestrian mobility, and consumer protection during globally significant events.

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

The initial proposed Special Event Zone covered a much larger area extending from Highway 237 to Highway 101 between Calabazas Creek and Guadalupe River. On November 18, 2025, the City Council directed staff to reduce the boundaries to a smaller, more focused zone immediately surrounding Levi’s Stadium and the areas most likely to be directly affected by Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup. Staff will be proposing an alternate Special Event Zone Map with a reduced area at the December 9, 2025 City Council meeting.

What the Ordinance Would Do

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

Temporarily pause sidewalk vending permits within the Special Event Zone
Prohibit mobile-unit vending (carts, trailers, wagons, bikes, etc.)
Restrict outdoor sales of merchandise, food, or beverages, except by approved fixed-location businesses
Prohibit illegal or counterfeit merchandise sales
Require permits for temporary structures (tents, canopies, inflatables, wireless equipment)
Prohibit outdoor giveaways or free promotional sampling
Require Police permits for parades, marches, races, or processions
Restrict outdoor commercial advertising visible from public streets

Proposed Activation Periods

Event	Activation Period
Super Bowl LX	February 1, 2026 at 8 a.m. through February 10, 2026 at 10 p.m.
FIFA World Cup 2026	June 12, 2026 at 8 a.m. through July 1, 2026 at 12 a.m.

Proposed Special Event Zone Map

View the Special Event Zone Map proposed at the November 18, 2025 City Council meeting. Staff will be proposing an alternate Special Event Zone Map with a reduced area at the December 9, 2025 City Council meeting.

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 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 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 full report and ordinance proposed on November 18, 2025.

The City is working on an update to the proposed Ordinance which will be presented to Council on December 9, 2025. View the update to the proposed Ordinance for the December 9 City Council meeting.

Last Updated:

12-07-2025