What is a dance permit? Do I need one? How do I get one?
The Arcata Municipal Code requires a dance permit for any public dance. Dance permit applications may be obtained at the Arcata Police Department during normal business office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid last minute problems, we ask event organizers give a minimum of two weeks advance notice before submitting a dance permit request.


Dance permits enable our staff to work with event organizers to plan events with minimum noise and crowd disruptions to the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Dance permits also provide advance information to our staff when additional police personnel resources may be needed, especially for large events.


Depending on the venue and the activities taking place, event organizers may need additional permits such as a one day ABC license to sell alcoholic beverages, a building permit or approval from the Fire Marshall.

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1. What is a dance permit? Do I need one? How do I get one?
2. What are alarm permits? How do I get one?
3. What is an alcohol permit? Do I need one?
4. What happens if the police are called to my house for a loud party?
5. What about dog licenses? How do I get one?
6. How do I pay my parking ticket?
7. How do I contest a parking ticket?
8. Does the Arcata Police Department do fingerprinting?
9. Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
10. How do I get a copy of an accident report?
11. Do I need a bicycle license?
12. I heard that I can't post flyers on telephone poles in Arcata. Why?
13. What are the current laws relating to child safety seats?