Special Events & Permits in Kern County, CA (2026)
3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Kern County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
A block party, celebration or other non-parade gathering that closes a street in unincorporated Kern County counts as an "event" under Chapter 12.12, and organizers need a temporary road closure permit from the roads department before holding it, backed by liability insurance and a cost-reimbursement fee.
Kern County Block Party Road Closure Permit
Significant RestrictionsKern County Code §§ 12.12.010(A), 12.12.020 (Event-Related Temporary Road Closures)
"Event" means any non-parade activity, including but not limited to, any celebration; sporting activity; entertainment or theatrical activity; fundraising; political, fraternal or benevolent rally or gathering; short-term construction or repairs within the right-of-way... It is unlawful for any person to organize or hold any event not otherwise allowed by law upon any highway without first obta...
Park Event Permits
Exclusive or business use of a Kern County park, recreation area, or recreational facility requires a written permit, license, lease, or concession agreement from the director of parks and recreation, plus an application fee set by uncodified ordinance. Reservation and refund-processing fees are billed on top of that application fee under a separate section.
Permit Required to Reserve Kern County Park Facilities
Some RestrictionsKern County Code § 13.04.020 (Use of county parks and recreation areas-Permission required-Fees)
B.Permission to conduct any business, to provide any services, to exclusively use, or to sell, rent, demonstrate, test or observe the performance of merchandise, goods or services in a county park or recreation area or portion thereof, may be granted by the director of the county parks and recreation department (hereinafter referred to in this section as "director"), in the form of a written li...
Parade Permits
Organizing, holding or joining a parade on any unincorporated Kern County street, sidewalk or public park requires a sheriff-issued permit under Chapter 12.32, filed at least thirty days ahead, with a ten-business-day decision deadline and an appeal path to the board of supervisors.
Kern County Parade Permit Requirements
Significant RestrictionsKern County Code § 12.32.020 (Parades, Permit required)
It is unlawful for any person, as defined in subsection (C) of Section 12.32.010 of this chapter, to organize, hold or participate in any parade upon any highway without first obtaining a permit therefor as provided in this chapter.
Special Events & Permits by City in Kern County
2 cities in Kern County have their own special events & permits rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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