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

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
§ 2-05-1150(c), permit under § 2-05-1070
Permit issuer
Resource Management Agency Director
Lead time
Application 60 days before event
Required sign-off
Tulare County Sheriff approval
Insurance
General liability naming county as insured
Appeal path
Board of Supervisors, § 165
Violation class
Misdemeanor, $1,000/6-month cap

Summary

Tulare County requires a permit before anyone may hold a water carnival, boat regatta, music festival, water show, group sporting event or group outing in a County Park, Recreation Area or on Public Waters, under Ordinance Code § 2-05-1150(c). The Resource Management Agency Director issues the permit through the process in § 2-05-1070, which needs Sheriff sign-off and 60 days' notice.

City-specific rules exist: Visalia has its own park event permits rules that differ from Tulare County's county-level regulations. If you live in Visalia, check the city-specific page instead.

It shall be unlawful to sponsor, hold, conduct, participate in, or to cause, aid, advise or encourage the conduct of any water carnivals, boat regattas, music festivals, dramatic presentations, water shows, group sporting events or group outings within any County Park or Recreation Area or upon any Public Waters unless a permit is issued for such activities as set forth in § 2-05-1070.

Full Breakdown

Section 2-05-1150 sits in Chapter 5, Article 3, 'Boating, Water Skiing and Swimming,' within the Ordinance Code's County Parks and Recreation Areas chapter, and subsection (c) makes it unlawful to sponsor, hold, conduct or participate in any water carnival, boat regatta, music festival, dramatic presentation, water show, group sporting event or group outing within a County Park or Recreation Area, or upon any Public Waters, unless a permit is issued under section 2-05-1070. The same section separately requires a permit for supervised boat races and speed contests (subsection a), parasailing, hang gliding or towing three or more water skiers (subsection b), operating any boat or vehicle for a fee within a park (subsection d), and stunt riding on public waters (subsection e).

Section 2-05-1070 sets the actual permit process: the Resource Management Agency Director issues permits only after the Board of Supervisors passes an authorizing resolution, and every application must be submitted at least 60 days before the event unless the Director shortens that window. The Director must get the Tulare County Sheriff's approval on health, safety and welfare grounds before granting, and may impose reasonable application fees and require the applicant to carry general liability insurance naming the county, its officers, employees and agents as additional insureds. 6. Every permit issued is non-transferable and limited to a single event at one designated time and place.

Violations & Fines

Section 2-05-1160(c) makes violation of this article, other than sections 2-05-1135 and 2-05-1145 (which are infractions), a misdemeanor punishable under Ordinance Code section 125, up to a $1,000 fine, six months in county jail, or both. The Sheriff's Office also enforces the California Boating Law alongside these county boating ordinances for activities on Public Waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of park gatherings need a permit in Tulare County?
Section 2-05-1150(c) requires a permit for water carnivals, boat regattas, music festivals, dramatic presentations, water shows, group sporting events and group outings held in a County Park, Recreation Area or on Public Waters. The same section separately covers boat races, parasailing, hang gliding and stunt riding.
How far in advance must I apply for a Tulare County park event permit?
Section 2-05-1070(c) requires the written application at least 60 days before the event date, though the Resource Management Agency Director may exercise discretion to shorten that period. The Director must also secure the Tulare County Sheriff's approval before issuing the permit.
Can I appeal if Tulare County denies my park event permit?
Yes. Section 2-05-1070(i) lets any interested person appeal the Resource Management Agency Director's decision to grant, deny or condition a permit to the Board of Supervisors, subject to any appeal fee the Board sets. A Board decision after that hearing is reviewable in court under Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Tulare County

All Tulare County rules

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