Riverside County, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Advance notice
- 30 working days minimum
- Where to apply
- District general manager, on forms
- Priority
- County residents/groups scheduled first
- Gatherings need
- Prior written authorization required
- Denial
- Grounds specified in writing
Summary
Reserving a Riverside County park or open-space area for a gathering requires a written request to the district general manager on district forms at least 30 working days ahead; county residents get scheduling priority.
Persons or groups may request the county or district to reserve the use of a park or open-space area or portions thereof. Persons or groups from within the county shall be given priority over persons or groups from outside the county if a conflict in scheduling arises. Requests for such reservations shall be submitted to the district general manager upon district forms no less than thirty (30) working days in advance of the requested reservation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under Riverside County Code § 12.28.020, the district general manager controls scheduling and use of county parks and open-space areas. Groups submit reservation requests on district forms at least 30 working days in advance; a shorter window is allowed only for good cause. In-county applicants get priority when requests conflict. The manager grants reservations, with conditions, only if the use won't unreasonably interfere with other park users or disturb the surrounding neighborhood, and issues written confirmation. Separately, § 12.28.010(B)(22) makes holding any meeting, exercise, parade, or exhibition in a park without prior written authorization unlawful. This governs unincorporated-area county and Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District facilities only, not city parks in Riverside, Temecula, or other incorporated cities.
Violations & Fines
Violating park rules is an infraction: $50-$100 first offense, at least $100 second offense within a year; a third violation becomes a misdemeanor punishable by $500-$1,000 or up to six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead must I reserve a Riverside County park for an event?
Can Riverside County deny my park reservation request?
Does this apply to parks in the city of Riverside or Temecula?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.