Kern County, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

020 makes it unlawful to organize or hold such an event on a county highway without first obtaining the chapter's permit. 030 spells out what the application needs: the organizer's name, address and phone number; the time, place and duration of the event including the affected portion of the highway; the estimated number of participants and vehicles; the event's purpose; and any county services desired. Applicants sign a hold-harmless statement and, except railroads, must carry liability insurance with at least a one-million-dollar combined limit for bodily injury and property damage, naming the county and its officers and employees as additional insureds, filed at least three working days before the event.

The director estimates processing costs the applicant must pay in advance, with any additional actual costs due within thirty days after the event, and may require a refundable cleanup deposit or bond. 040 sets filing deadlines of at least three working days ahead for a partial closure and five working days for a total closure, plus an approved traffic detour plan and warning signs posted twenty-four hours before a total closure. The director, or the board of supervisors on request, issues permits after finding the event won't unduly obstruct traffic or risk a breach of the peace, and permit conditions or denials can be appealed to the board of supervisors.