San Bernardino County, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Land Use Services Director
- Minor event notice
- 30-90 days in advance
- Major event notice
- 180 days in advance
- Independent reviewer
- Sheriff's Department can deny
- No-permit penalty
- Closure plus cost recovery
Summary
Parades and other public gatherings in unincorporated San Bernardino County need a Temporary Special Event Permit from the Land Use Services Department before the event, with major events requiring 180 days' advance notice.
Permit Required. Except as otherwise provided by the County Code or State law, no person or entity shall advertise, conduct, maintain, operate, or provide admission for any temporary special event within the unincorporated areas of the County without possessing an unexpired, unsuspended, and unrevoked Temporary Special Events Permit from the Department for each temporary special event.
(3) Exemptions. The following temporary events are exempt from the requirements of obtaining a Temporary Special Events Permit in compliance with this Chapter:
(A) Any sites that have received land use approval (e.g., Conditional Use Permit) to allow temporary special events.
(B) Any temporary special events held in County Regional Parks.
(C) Any Class I minor event as defined in
Full Breakdown
County Code § 85.16.030 requires anyone advertising, conducting, or operating a parade or other temporary special event in the unincorporated county to hold a Temporary Special Event Permit from the Department. Minor-event applications are due 30 to 90 days ahead; major events (over 1,000 expected attendees) need 180 days' notice. The Sheriff's Department independently reviews every application and can block a permit over traffic disruption, a conflicting event already booked for the same time and place, or inadequate law enforcement coverage. Class I minor events under 500 attendees and sites with an existing Conditional Use Permit are exempt.
Violations & Fines
Advertising, conducting, or operating a parade or special event without an unexpired, unrevoked permit is unlawful; the County can close the event at any time and recover closure costs from the promoter, business owner, or landowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every neighborhood parade in San Bernardino County need a permit?
How early do I need to apply for a parade permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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