Outdoor Fitness & Commercial Activity Permits

If you train, instruct, or lead a fitness, athletic, or other class for financial compensation, in exchange for goods or service, or as marketing for your business, you are required to obtain an Outdoor Fitness and Commercial Activity Permit and adhere to all its requirements, terms, and conditions.

If you intend to teach three classes or more in a week, an Outdoor Fitness Permit offers the best value and flexibility for your program. Parties only intending to teach one or two classes a week or that are not fitness classes but still recreational in nature should contact Cindy Acosta at (805) 897-1982 to rent park space by the hour.

An Outdoor Fitness and Commercial Activity Permit allows a business to operate fitness or other commercial activities in a specific Santa Barbara park or beach location.

Permits allow for activities from 30 minutes prior to sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset . Other commercial activities may be allowed to occur outside of these time periods

Prices range from $13/hr to $29/hr depending on location. 

No. An Outdoor Fitness Permit is required if you have three or more clients.

Amplified music is permitted only in certain parks. If music is permitted, the volume must be kept at or below 60 decibels at the park perimeter. This information is listed in the Fitness Location Guide.

A maximum of 49 people are permitted for one class, including the instructor(s).

Locations are assigned on a monthly basis. Venue change requests may be submitted at any time and take effect at the end of each month on a first-come, first-served basis.

No. All activities must happen during the permitted time period.

All fitness equipment must be under the 25 lb. limit unless approved by the Director or their designee. No equipment is permitted that may damage the parks, turf, or facilities.

No. Park equipment may not be used for any fitness activities

Yes. One sandwich board is permitted.

No. No stakes may be used in the turf. Cones may be set up to create a perimeter around your class.

No. You must remove all equipment at the end of each class.

No. Not at this time.

Classes are not permitted within 20 feet of members of the public. If possible, we ask that you move your class to another area inside your designated space. Otherwise, you may inform the individuals that you have reserved this space for group fitness activities and display your permit to them. If they refuse to move, you may contact City of Santa Barbara Park Rangers at (805) 897-1941 for assistance.

• Completed application form
• Copy of $1,000,000 general liability insurance certificate with additionally ensured endorsement naming the City of Santa Barbara, its officers, employees and agents
• Copy of current City of Santa Barbara business license
• Signed permit
• Payment of annual permit fee and first monthly use fee

After reviewing the documents and frequently asked questions above, please submit an application if you are interested in obtaining a permit for outdoor fitness and commercial activity classes.