Special Events & Permits in Stearns County, MN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Stearns County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

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

Block Party Permits

Stearns County requires a permit from the County Highway Department before closing any part of a county right-of-way for a block party, street dance, or similar recreational gathering. Section 1.27 of Right-of-Way Management Ordinance No. 478 lets the County Engineer deny a closure that threatens public health, safety, or welfare, and set conditions on any approval.

Stearns County Block Party Street Closure Permit

Significant Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 478 (Right-of-Way Management Ordinance), § 1.27, Subd. 1

No Person, including any political subdivision of the State of Minnesota, may obstruct or close any portion of a county right-of-way for any recreational purpose without first obtaining a permit from the Department. Recreational purposes include, but are not limited to, street dances, festivals, parades, and bicycle or foot races. Stearns County reserves the right to deny any closure permit whe...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Park Event Permits

Any group of 50 or more people using a Stearns County park needs a permit first. Ordinance No. 696 § 18 lets the Director issue, charge a fee for, refuse, or revoke park-use permits and reservations, and the same permit is required to run electronic sound equipment or generators.

Stearns County Park Event Permit Rules

Significant Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 696 (Parks Ordinance), § 18

Permits and reservations may be obtained from the Director. ... A person or persons to whom a permit or reservation is issued shall be liable for any loss or damage to park property by any person or persons from the group represented. ... Reasonable fees, as established by the County Board, may be charged for permits. ... The use of a County park by groups of 50 or more individuals is prohibite...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Stearns County ordinances

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