Washoe County, NV Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Groups over 25 people (WCC 95.100)
- Fee approval
- Set by park commission (WCC 95.090)
- Payment rule
- Fee due before use (WCC 95.080)
- Vendor permit
- Concession permit required (WCC 95.110)
- Filming permit
- Required unless facility-rental exception (WCC 95.120)
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine / 6 months jail (WCC 125.050)
Summary
A group meeting, concert, athletic event or similar activity drawing more than 25 people needs a facility group use permit before it can be held in a Washoe County park under WCC 95.100, and larger or commercial events can pull in additional permits and licenses.
No group meetings, functions, concerts, athletic events or similar activities with attendance in excess of 25 persons shall be held within the boundaries of a county park without a valid facility group use permit. Depending on the size of the group and nature of the event, additional permits and licenses may also be required.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 20 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Washoe County's parks and recreation ordinance, adopted by Ord. No. 100 requires a valid facility group use permit for any group meeting, function, concert, athletic event or similar activity with attendance over 25 persons anywhere within a county park's boundaries, and warns that the size and nature of the event can pull in still more permits and licenses. 090 has the park commission approve the schedule of fees the director proposes for reservable facilities, programs and special events; the county manager may also discount fees or offer group and membership rates for marketing purposes.
110, which requires copies of the vendor's city and county licenses and proof of insurance before the department will approve it. 120 unless it fits a narrow exception, such as being covered by the same facility rental permit that governs a wedding or graduation party. 130. 070.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unpermitted group activity is enforced the same way as any other park-rule violation: WCC 95.300 ties noncompliance to the Code's general penalty at WCC 125.050, a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day counted as a separate offense. An enforcement official can also order a violator to leave the park immediately, and refusing that order is treated as trespassing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can gather in a Washoe County park without a permit?
Do I have to pay before my group event?
Can I sell food at my park event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
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