Reno, NV Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- Permit required: groups over 25 people
- Reservable facilities
- Exclusive-use permits needed for shelters, fields
- Apply through
- Parks, recreation and community services department
- Overlap rule
- Special events also need RMC 5.13 permit
- Exemption
- Expressive gatherings of 75 or fewer exempt
Summary
Reno requires a park permit for any group meeting, concert, or gathering of more than 25 people in a public park, plus exclusive-use permits for picnic shelters and athletic fields.
No group meetings or functions, concerts, or other similar activities with attendance in excess of 25 persons shall be held within a public park except pursuant to a permit. Groups of 75 or fewer persons gathering in a parks and recreation facility for the purpose of expressive activity, as defined in RMC Chapter 13, shall not require a park permit, but may not disrupt a permitted event and are encouraged to obtain a park permit to facilitate their activity.(d)The director may designate certain parks and recreation facilities, such as picnic areas and shelters, athletic fields and other equipment or facilities, which are reservable for exclusive use. Any person desiring exclusive use of these facilities shall apply for a permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Administrative Code: Supplement 64 | Land Development Code: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Reno Municipal Code § 8.23.075 requires a permit for any group meeting, concert, or similar activity drawing more than 25 people in a city park, and for exclusive use of reservable facilities like picnic shelters, athletic fields, and equipment. Applicants file with the parks, recreation and community services department and pay applicable fees and insurance. The director weighs past problems, scheduling conflicts, safety, and neighbor impact before granting a permit. Events large enough to qualify as a 'special event' under RMC Chapter 5.13 need that permit too, in addition to the park permit. Groups of 75 or fewer gathered for expressive activity are exempt from the permit requirement.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted group event over 25 people, or using a reservable facility without a permit, is a code violation; violators may be excluded from the park and lose deposits or fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a birthday party in a Reno park?
What happens if I hold an event without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Reno
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