Special Events & Permits in Story County, IA (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Story County, Iowa.

Verified from official government sources

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

Parade Permits

Anyone holding a parade, race, concert, or other public assembly in unincorporated Story County, on private property, county roads, or county property, needs a special events permit under Code of Ordinances § 83.04 before the event, unless it falls under a listed exemption in § 83.05. A separate application is required for each event, though a multi-day event needs only one permit.

Special Event Permit Rules, Story County

Significant Restrictions

Story County Code of Ordinances § 83.04

An individual, corporation, partnership, association, or other entity, whether public or private, may not hold a special event without first obtaining a special events permit, subject to exemptions indicated in Section 83.05. A separate special event application shall be submitted for each requested special event. However, for a multi-day special event, only one special event permit is required.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Street Fair Rules

Vendors and organizers running a carnival, festival, or street fair in unincorporated Story County must cover food, alcohol, and sanitation in their special events application under Code of Ordinances § 83.06(1). Food vendors need an Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals food establishment permit, alcohol sales need a state liquor license plus County Board of Supervisors approval, and the applicant must submit a plan for water, toilets, and solid waste.

Street Fair Vendor Rules, Story County

Some Restrictions

Story County Code of Ordinances § 83.06(1)(H)-(J)

H. Environmental health plans, including plans for fresh water supplies, solid waste containers, collections and disposal and toilet facilities or portable toilets. ... I. Names and contact information of vendors including food establishment permit(s) from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, if serving food. ... J. If serving alcohol, a copy of the liquor license and/or applic...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Story County ordinances

See every category we cover for Story County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Story County Ordinance Hub →