San Bernardino, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- No permit needed
- Groups under 25 people
- Director permit required
- Groups over 25 (§ 12.80.040(B))
- Special event permit required
- Groups over 100 (§ 19.70.036)
- Fee-based classes
- Written Director permit (§ 12.80.050)
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under § 1.12.010
Summary
San Bernardino Municipal Code § 12.80.040 lets groups under 25 use a public park permit-free, requires a written Director permit for a picnic, celebration, parade or exercise expecting more than 25, and requires a special event permit under § 19.70.036 once expected attendance tops 100.
(A) For any private groups of persons using a public park that have fewer than 25, no permit is required. (B) It is unlawful for any group of persons, firm or corporation, society or organization which anticipates an attendance of more than 25 to conduct any picnic, celebration, parade, service or exercise in any public park or building or use any park facility, without first obtaining a written permit from the Director as provided for in this chapter. (C) It is unlawful for any group of persons, firm or corporation, society or organization which anticipates an attendance of more than 100 to conduct any picnic, celebration, parade, service or exercise in any public park or building or use any park facility, without first obtaining a special event permit pursuant to § 19.70.036.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
030. 036 rather than the standard Director permit. 050 separately requires a written Director permit for any fee-based class or course of instruction held in a city park or building, whether or not it is Parks and Recreation-sponsored. 130(A).
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted picnic, celebration, parade or park facility use above the 25-person threshold, or above 100 without the special event permit, violates § 12.80.040 and is a misdemeanor under § 12.80.140, punishable in accordance with § 1.12.010.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small family picnic in a San Bernardino park?
How many people can I invite to a park event before I need a permit?
At what point do I need a special event permit instead of a regular park permit?
What happens if I hold an unpermitted event over the size limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Park Event Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle park event permits.