Event Fees Eliminated for Small WeHo Businesses

Local businesses no longer will have to pay a $200 fee for a small sidewalk sale or other minor activities on their property under a change to the city’s event fee program approved by the West Hollywood City Council last night.

The change, proposed by the city’s Economic Development Department, affects only those events related to the main use of the business and that take place on its private property.

“Business activity that extends into the public realm, for example, valet service, step and repeats, or amplified music will be required to apply for other permits such as an encroachment permit, or valet permit,” the department said in a memo describing its proposed changes. “Outdoor events, designed to attract large crowds, display or exhibit type of events as well as outdoor sales events held on private property will still require a special event permit and will fall under either a minor special event or major special event.”

There still will be a variety of fees charged to producers of major events such as the L.A. Pride parade and festival, the L.A. Marathon and the Halloween Carnaval, and minor events such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar party and the HBO Emmy Awards party. A basic fee for a major event is $2,500 to $7,500 and for a minor event is $1,000 to $1,500 with additional fees for using city property and requiring the closure of city streets. Non-profit organizations get a 50% discount.