Kern County, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Kern County Code § 12.32.020
- Filing window
- 30 days to 1 year before parade
- Decision deadline
- 10 business days, else deemed approved
- Issuing authority
- Kern County Sheriff
- Appeal deadline
- 5 business days to board of supervisors
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 or 6 months
Summary
Organizing, holding or joining a parade on any unincorporated Kern County street, sidewalk or public park requires a sheriff-issued permit under Chapter 12.32, filed at least thirty days ahead, with a ten-business-day decision deadline and an appeal path to the board of supervisors.
It is unlawful for any person, as defined in subsection (C) of Section 12.32.010 of this chapter, to organize, hold or participate in any parade upon any highway without first obtaining a permit therefor as provided in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 59 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
010 defines "highway" broadly to include any public street, alley, sidewalk, park or other public property in the unincorporated area, and "parade" as any organized formation or procession of persons or vehicles. 030 has the sheriff prepare the application form, which must show the applicant's name, the time, place, route and termini of the parade, the estimated number of participants and vehicles, the parade's purpose, and the sheriff's approval or disapproval with reasons. " Late applications may be considered for good cause but carry no right of appeal. 070 gives applicants five business days to appeal a denial or conditional approval to the board of supervisors.
Violations & Fines
Holding or joining an unpermitted parade is unlawful under Section 12.32.020. Because Chapter 12.32 sets no fine of its own, the county's general misdemeanor penalty in Section 1.12.030 applies: up to a one-thousand-dollar fine, up to six months in county jail, or both. The sheriff can also cancel, postpone or terminate an approved parade on the spot under Section 12.32.060 for safety reasons or a permit violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues parade permits in unincorporated Kern County?
How far ahead do I need to apply for a parade permit?
Can the sheriff deny a parade permit over safety fears?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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