Special events like the Midfest Summer Celebration must meet general guidelines available on the city Department of Parks and Recreation website.

Applicants are required to notify residents at least seven days before the event. Sending out a team to notify people at their homes or leave information on doorsteps and doorknobs is OK, said Hindolo Brima, spokesperson for the city Department of Parks and Recreation.

Residents must be notified in the most heavily impacted areas, which are determined based on how loud the event is expected to be and what kind of parking issues and restrictions there will be, he added. For this event, the residents who have to be notified live in the area between J and G streets and 26th to 29th streets.

The city's "Special Event Planning Guide" advises organizers to make sure the city approves of the event before any promotion is done. However, conditional approval can be given by city staff after an initial screening of the request.

A special temporary license or permit is required to sell alcohol at such events. Getting such a license requires the Sacramento Police Department and the state Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control Organizers to review alcohol management strategy and event plans.

Beer gardens must be fenced, and entrances must be staffed by people who check IDs. Amplified sound in a park can't exceed 86 decibels 25 feet from the source, or 55 decibels on any residential property.

Planned street closures must allow a 20-foot lane of clearance for emergency vehicles. Signs notifying neighbors of the closure in advance may also be required. Organizers also must make plans to ensure adequate parking is available, which could include the use of shuttles.

Suzanne Hurt is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.