Lake County, IN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Lake County Code Chapter 114 governs outdoor events on county-owned real estate anywhere in unincorporated Lake County, Indiana, and also reaches privately owned real estate when the event is a circus, carnival, bazaar, festival, exhibition, athletic contest, or outdoor beer garden. Section 114.02 bars anyone from erecting a structure, stand, platform or operating machinery for such an event, on county or private land, until a permit is issued. Section 114.01 exempts established private clubs and businesses from the chapter.

The Clerk of Lake County processes applications under § 114.09: the request goes on the county's prescribed form, carries a $100 filing fee (waived for not-for-profit sponsors), and must be filed at least ten days before the Board of Commissioners meeting where it will be granted or denied. The Clerk forwards copies to the Police Chief and each Commissioner. Under § 114.10, the Clerk issues the permit only after the Board directs it.

Section 114.07 requires proof of liability insurance before any permit issues: at least $1,000,000 per bodily-injury claim, $3,000,000 per occurrence, and $100,000 for property damage. Section 114.08 requires an electrical and fire inspection by the county before the event starts. Section 114.03 requires roping off any area serving beer or liquor with one entrance and a posted "no minors" sign, with alcohol service ending by 11:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:00 p.m. Sunday; § 114.04 sets the same 11:00 p.m./10:00 p.m. cutoff for outdoor music and amplification. Section 114.05 bars parking on residential streets unless the Police Chief permits it, and § 114.06 leaves the required security level to the Chief of Police. Section 114.12 exempts events held at the Lake County Fairgrounds, which the Fair Board controls during the annual fair.