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Stearns County, MN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing law
Ordinance No. 696, § 18
Group threshold
Permit required for 50+ people
Issuing authority
Stearns County Park Director
Fees
Set by the County Board (§ 18.8)
Revocation
Director may revoke for any rule violation

Summary

Any group of 50 or more people using a Stearns County park needs a permit first. Ordinance No. 696 § 18 lets the Director issue, charge a fee for, refuse, or revoke park-use permits and reservations, and the same permit is required to run electronic sound equipment or generators.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Permits and reservations may be obtained from the Director. ... A person or persons to whom a permit or reservation is issued shall be liable for any loss or damage to park property by any person or persons from the group represented. ... Reasonable fees, as established by the County Board, may be charged for permits. ... The use of a County park by groups of 50 or more individuals is prohibited unless a permit has first been obtained.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 18 of Stearns County Ordinance No. 696 puts park permitting and reservations entirely in the Park Director's hands. Anyone claiming a permit or reservation must be able to produce it on request, and the person or group it names is liable for any loss or damage to park property caused by their group. The Director can revoke a permit or reservation on finding a violation of any rule or ordinance or for other good cause, and can refuse to issue one at all when doing so serves the best interest of the park system.

The County Board sets whatever fees apply, and the ordinance specifically requires a permit before a group of 50 or more individuals may use a county park, before anyone runs electronic sound equipment such as stereos, PA systems, or amplifiers, and before anyone operates an electrical generator. 1 for the permitted hunt only. 5 in addition to any separate misdemeanor charge.

Violations & Fines

Holding a gathering of 50 or more people, running amplified sound equipment, or operating a generator in a Stearns County park without the Director's permit is a misdemeanor under Ordinance No. 696 § 20.1(b). The Director can also revoke an existing permit under Section 18.5 for any rule violation by the permitted group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a family reunion at a Stearns County park?
Only if your group has 50 or more people. Section 18 of Ordinance No. 696 requires a Director-issued permit once a gathering reaches that size; smaller gatherings don't need one unless they involve sound equipment or another permitted activity.
Can I set up a speaker system for a park event?
Not without a permit. Section 18 bans using electronic sound equipment, including stereos, PA systems, and amplifiers, in a Stearns County park unless the Director has first issued a permit for it.
Can the county cancel my park permit?
Yes. Section 18.5 lets the Director revoke a permit or reservation on finding a violation of any park rule or ordinance, or for other good cause, and the Director can also refuse to issue one in the first place if it isn't in the park system's best interest.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stearns County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsBlock Party PermitsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Stearns County rules

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