San Benito County, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- County Sheriff (Parade Administrator)
- Exempt
- Level 1-2, up to 5,000 people
- Requires permit
- Level 3-4, over 5,000 people
- Scope
- Unincorporated county roads/property
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County requires a Parade Administrator permit for any parade or public gathering, though gatherings of 5,000 or fewer people (Level 1 or 2) are exempt from the permit itself.
No person shall hold, manage, conduct or carry on or cause or permit to be held, managed, conducted or carried on, any parade, any public gathering on county property, or any public gathering on private property, without first having been issued a parade/public gathering permit by the Parade Administrator. A permit is not deemed issued until the Parade Administrator has received the applicant’s written acceptance pursuant to this chapter. Notwithstanding the requirement for a permit expressed herein, Level 1 or Level 2 public gatherings are exempt from the permit requirement. Notwithstanding the issuance of a parade and public gathering permit, or an exemption from a parade or public gathering permit, no person shall hold, manage, conduct or carry on or cause or permit to be held, managed, conducted or carried on any activities which require a use permit or a permit for a temporary use, pursuant to Title 25 of the San Benito County Code. (1966 Code, § 14-12) (Ord. 688, § 1(part); Ord. 703, § 1(part))
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County Code § 19.27.027 bars holding, managing, or conducting any parade, public gathering on county property, or public gathering on private property in unincorporated San Benito County without a parade/public gathering permit issued by the Parade Administrator (the county Sheriff or designee). Level 1 gatherings (up to 1,500 people) and Level 2 gatherings (over 1,500 up to 5,000) are exempt from the permit requirement, but Level 3 (up to 15,000) and Level 4 (over 15,000) events must apply. Even an exempt or permitted gathering still needs any separate use permit or temporary-use permit required under Title 25's zoning rules. The chapter does not reach events inside Hollister or San Juan Bautista.
Violations & Fines
Holding an event without the required permit, operating outside its terms, or selling tickets without a permit violates § 19.27.034 and is treated as a public nuisance the county can enjoin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small neighborhood parade need a county permit?
Who administers parade permits in San Benito County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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