Special Events & Permits in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Parade Permits

Contra Costa County exempts parades and processions from its Temporary Events permit, but only if the organizer still obtains every other permit state law or the county code requires for using a public right-of-way, chiefly an encroachment permit from Public Works.

Contra Costa Parade Right-of-Way Permits

Some Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code §§ 82-44.206(e) (definition), 82-44.404(b) (Exemptions)

"Parade" means a march or procession of people on any county street or right-of-way that obstructs, delays, or interferes with the normal flow of vehicular traffic, or does not comply with traffic laws or controls. ... An event held in a public right-of-way, including a funeral procession or parade, provided all other permits and licenses required by this code or state law are obtained, includi...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Street Fair Rules

A street fair or festival open to more than seventy-five people at a residential or agricultural venue, or more than 150 anywhere else, needs a Contra Costa County temporary event permit, filed at least forty-five days ahead with the Department of Conservation and Development.

Contra Costa Street Fair & Festival Permits

Significant Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code §§ 82-44.402(a) (Temporary event permit required), 82-44.408(c) (Application and review)

The following uses are allowed in any zoning district only after the issuance of a temporary event permit: (a)A temporary event, unless the temporary event is exempt from the requirement to obtain a temporary event permit or a land use permit is required for the event. ... An application must be submitted at least forty-five days before the proposed event. The department of conservation and dev...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way

A film shoot that already holds a county filming permit under Chapter 56-8 does not need a separate temporary event permit for the same activity, but the production must still carry at least a million dollars of liability coverage and follow the county's filming-permit timelines.

Contra Costa Filming Permits Replace Event Permits

Some Restrictions

Contra Costa County Ordinance Code § 82-44.404(h) (Exemptions); § 56-8.402 (Filming Permits, Required)

(h)A film-making activity for which a filming permit has been obtained in accordance with Chapter 56-8 of this code. ... No person shall engage in commercial motion picture production on public property or requiring public services without obtaining a filming permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗