Monterey County, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

12 (County Parks). Subsection D lists the activities that trigger a permit rather than a simple day-use pass: reserving County park facilities, possessing or consuming alcohol, camping, boating, commercial activities including photography, amplified sound, and any assembly of more than fifty people. Subsection E raises the stakes for large gatherings: any permit for an event expected to draw more than five thousand people requires final approval from the Board of Supervisors itself, not just the Parks Director. Applicants file with the Director under Subsection H, describing the responsible party, sponsoring organization, the proposed activity (including special features like inflatables, food trucks, or live or amplified music), the dates, hours, and park location, and the estimated attendance.

Under Subsection I, the Director issues a permit only if the proposed use will not unreasonably impact the park or interfere with public health, safety, and recreation, is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence or disorder, and will not create burdensome expense for the County. Subsection J lets the Director require a cash bond of fifty percent of anticipated gross receipts once those receipts are expected to exceed two thousand dollars, and Subsection K allows a separate deposit under the Master Fee Resolution. A denied or conditionally granted application can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors in writing within ten days under Subsection O. 150 layers on an additional Special Event Permit issued solely by the Board of Supervisors after a public hearing.