Special Events & Permits in St. Joseph County, IN (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated St. Joseph County, Indiana.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Reserving a shelter, field or other facility in a St. Joseph County park runs through a permit governed by Code Section 131.35: it's valid only for what its written terms authorize, and the park board or its representative can revoke it outright for any violation of park rules, forfeiting the fees already paid.
St. Joseph County Park Event Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSt. Joseph County, Ind., Code of Ordinances § 131.35
A permit to do any act shall authorize the same only insofar as it may be performed in strict accordance with the written terms and conditions thereof. Any violation of any law, ordinance or rule or regulation of the board or of any other county department by the holder of any permit of any term or condition thereof shall constitute grounds for revocation by the board or by its authorized repre...
Parade Permits
St. Joseph County's sheriff's office, not the county council, is the permitting authority for parades, holidays, concerts and other public or personal special events held in the unincorporated county. Section 130.05 lets the sheriff issue a permit for these events and also for hardship cases where full compliance with the noise chapter is impractical, with permit fees set by the sheriff and approved by the county council and commissioners.
St. Joseph County Parade & Event Permits
Significant RestrictionsSt. Joseph County, Ind., Code of Ordinances § 130.05
(A)The office of the sheriff shall have the authority to issue permits for:(1)Holidays, celebrations, concerts, parades or other special events, public or personal;(2)Persons who demonstrate that bringing the source of sound or activity for which the permit is sought into compliance with the provisions of this subchapter would constitute an unreasonable hardship on the applicant, the community ...
Street Fair Rules
Anyone operating a circus, sideshow, carnival or street fair for pay in unincorporated St. Joseph County needs a permit from the county auditor before opening the gate. Applications are due at least 60 days ahead, carry a per-day fee, and the auditor can refuse a permit for cause. County fair grounds and Notre Dame's athletic and convocation center are exempt.
St. Joseph County Street Fair & Carnival Permits
Some RestrictionsSt. Joseph County, Ind., Code of Ordinances §§ 112.01, 112.05
It is unlawful to operate, exhibit or participate in exhibiting within the county any circus, sideshow, carnival, street fair or other display or performance of the same general description for which an admission fee is charged or received, either directly or indirectly, without first having obtained a permit therefor from the county auditor. ... The provisions of this subchapter shall not appl...
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