Rohnert Park, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 9.62.010 lists park activities that require prior authorization. Under subsection (W), anyone who wants to host or organize a gathering of more than ten people that is not open to the general public, or who wants exclusive use of park space for such an event, must first obtain a permit from the Community Services Department, and the permit holder must carry it during the event. Subsection (P) backs this from the other direction: it is unlawful to interfere with an organization or individual who holds a valid permit or picnic reservation issued by the same department, so a reservation gives the holder priority use of the reserved field, park, or facility.

The closing paragraph of Section 9.62.010 confirms that the mechanics of issuing these permits, including permits for renting parks and park areas, are set by resolution of the city council rather than spelled out in the ordinance itself. A related but separate permit track appears at Section 9.62.050, which governs vending permits and commercial-use permits for park facilities; the director of the Community Services Department issues those on payment of a council-set fee, and a commercial-use permit applicant must agree to defend and indemnify the city and carry insurance naming the city as an additional insured before the director will approve it. Event organizers planning food sales, vendors, or paid activities inside a reserved park space typically need both the gathering permit and the separate vending or commercial-use permit.