Johnson County, KS Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 2.3.3, JCPRD Park Code
- Application deadline
- 45 days before the event
- Approval authority
- JCPRD Board
- Money collection
- Banned without permit or contract
- Related bans
- Unpermitted signs (§2.3.1), soliciting (§2.3.2)
- Penalty
- Fine per Appendix A Fine Schedule
- Adopted
- Res. No. 060-23, July 20, 2023
Summary
Any demonstration, exhibition, or special event on Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) property needs Board approval under Sec. 2.3.3 of the county's JCPRD Park Code, and organizers must file a written application at least 45 days before the date. Collecting money during the event is against the Code unless a Special Use Permit or Special Event contract specifically covers it.
Sec. 2.3.3. - Demonstrations, exhibitions and special events. Any demonstration, exhibition, or special event must first be approved by the JCPRD Board, pursuant to policies duly adopted by such Board prior to its occurrence. Written application must be made to the JCPRD Board at least 45 days in advance of the proposed demonstration, exhibition or special event. Collection of money or funds during a demonstration, exhibition, or special event is prohibited, except as permitted pursuant to a JCPRD Special Use Permit or Special Event contract.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Resolutions: Supplement 14).
Full Breakdown
Sec. " The same section bars "collection of money or funds" during the event unless a JCPRD Special Use Permit or Special Event contract allows it. Two neighboring Article 3 sections tighten the picture: Sec. 1 bans posting event signs anywhere in a JCPRD Facility except under a valid Special Use Permit, Special Event contract, or area reservation, and requires every sign be removed "immediately following the event"; Sec. 2 separately bars soliciting or advertising "any product, item, or service" inside JCPRD boundaries outside those same permit or contract terms.
Together the three sections mean an organizer needs Board sign-off well before the date, cannot fundraise or sell on-site without that same authorization, and cannot leave promotional signage up once the event ends. Enforcement runs through Sec. 3: any violation is unlawful, and conviction draws a fine set under the Code's Appendix A Fine Schedule, with repeat violations bumped to the next, higher fine class and prosecuted by the Chief Counsel of Johnson County. The current Article 3 language was adopted by Res. No. 060-23 on July 20, 2023, replacing the district's 2013 and 2015 park codes.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unapproved demonstration, exhibition, or special event, collecting money without permit authorization, soliciting sales in violation of Sec. 2.3.2, or leaving event signage up past the event violates the JCPRD Park Code and is unlawful under Sec. 3.1.3. A conviction carries a fine set under the Code's Appendix A Fine Schedule, repeat violations move to the next, more serious violation class, and the Chief Counsel of Johnson County prosecutes the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead do I need to apply for a special event in a Johnson County park?
Can I sell tickets or collect donations at a park event?
Can I put up event signage in a JCPRD park?
What happens if I hold an unpermitted event in a Johnson County park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Johnson County
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