Solano County, CA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Solano County Code Sec. 3-31 makes it unlawful to operate, maintain, conduct, advertise or sell tickets to an outdoor festival in the unincorporated area, or on county-owned or leased property anywhere in the county, without first obtaining a license. "Outdoor festival" under Sec. 3-30 covers periodic outdoor gatherings for rock dances and similar musical or theatrical performances open to the public, whether or not admission is charged. The written application goes to the board of supervisors, accompanied by a nonrefundable $100 application fee, and must be filed with the county tax collector at least 60 days before the event.

Required contents include the applicant's identity and business address, a legal description of the site including all parking areas, proof of ownership or written owner consent, the dates and hours of operation, an estimate of maximum daily attendance, and a detailed plan covering security, water and food supply, sanitation, medical services, traffic control, lighting for overnight events, and post-event cleanup. Under Sec. 3-32, the tax collector routes the complete application to the sheriff, county health officer, director of transportation and director of environmental management for investigation, and the board sets a public hearing 15 to 30 days out with at least 10 days' written notice.

Sec. 3-33 lets the board grant the license with or without conditions and requires the applicant to post an indemnity bond, performance bond, or corporate surety bond in an amount the board sets, covering injury, property damage, and cleanup or debris removal costs before the tax collector issues the license. The Solano County Fair Association and other operators of the Solano County Fairgrounds are exempt under Sec. 3-13/3-25.