Santa Clara County, CA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Filing window
- 1 day to 6 months ahead
- Wedding/Youth exception
- Up to 12 months ahead
- Fee deadline
- 10 business days after request
- Scope
- County Parks, unincorporated county
Summary
Group picnics, facility rentals, and camping in Santa Clara County Parks require a reservation permit obtained one day to six months ahead, or up to a year for weddings.
Before a reservation can be made, a reservation permit must be obtained not less than one calendar day prior and not more than six months in advance of the date for which the reservation permit is requested, with the exception of weddings and Youth group campsites. A reservation permit for a wedding or Youth group campsite may be obtained up to 12 months in advance. All fees and Deposits for a reservation permit must be paid and received within ten business days after the reservation permit is requested. The Director may consider and waive time limits on applications received outside of minimum or maximum time requirements if such waiver is in the best interests of the Park and Park users.
(Ord. No. NS-702.93, 1-9-18)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Santa Clara County Ordinance Code § B14-52.1 requires a reservation permit before any group picnic, facility, or camping reservation at a County Park. Applications must be filed not less than one calendar day and not more than six months before the date requested: except weddings and Youth group campsites, which can be booked up to 12 months ahead. All fees and Deposits are due within ten business days of the request, and the Parks Director may waive the minimum or maximum filing window when doing so serves the Park and its users.
Violations & Fines
Reserving without the required permit or missing the ten-business-day fee deadline can forfeit the reservation; the Director may deny, suspend, or revoke a permit for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I book a picnic area in a Santa Clara County Park?
Does this permit apply to a city park in Palo Alto?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara County
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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