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Benton County, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
BCC Chapter 7.16, outdoor music festivals
Permit issuer
Board of County Commissioners
Covered event
1,000+ attendees or 3+ hour music event
Application deadline
At least 30 days before event
Permit fee
$250 to $1,500 by attendance
Insurance required
$1,000 per-person, $100,000 property damage
Applies to
Unincorporated Benton County only

Summary

Anyone holding an outdoor music festival or concert in unincorporated Benton County, defined as a gathering expected to draw 1,000 or more people or run three hours or longer, needs a Board of County Commissioners permit under BCC Chapter 7.16. Applications are due at least thirty days ahead and carry fees up to $1,500 depending on attendance.

City-specific rules exist: Kennewick has its own street fair rules rules that differ from Benton County's county-level regulations. If you live in Kennewick, check the city-specific page instead.

7.16.030 PERMITS REQUIRED. No person or other legal entity shall knowingly allow, conduct, hold, maintain, cause to be advertised or permit an outdoor music festival or outdoor concert within any unincorporated area of Benton County unless a valid permit has been previously obtained from the Board of County Commissioners for the operation of such music festival as provided for by this chapter. One such permit shall be required for each outdoor music festival. Any person, persons, partnership, corporation, association, society, fraternal or social organization, failing to comply with the rules, regulations or conditions contained in this chapter shall be subject to the appropriate penalties as prescribed by this chapter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

16, adopted to protect public health, safety and welfare at large outdoor gatherings. 020). 040). The application must include a financial statement, ownership details for anyone holding a 10 percent or greater stake, written Benton-Franklin health department approval, and sheriff-confirmed traffic and crowd control staffing of one person for every 200 expected attendees, at least 20 percent of them commissioned officers, plus one deputy on-site per 1,000 attendees while the site is open. Parking must accommodate one car for every four attendees, and the fire chief must confirm adequate fire protection equipment. 040(o)). 070). 110). 080).

Violations & Fines

Willfully failing to comply with Chapter 7.16's rules, or aiding such a failure, is a misdemeanor under BCC 7.16.130. The Board of County Commissioners can also summarily revoke a festival permit when public peace, health or safety requires it, or revoke it after a three-day-notice hearing for a material violation of the chapter or state law (BCC 7.16.080). Revocation does not bar separate criminal penalties for the same conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for an outdoor concert in Benton County?
Yes, if it is held in the unincorporated area and either draws 1,000 or more expected attendees or runs three hours or longer. BCC 7.16.030 requires a permit from the Board of County Commissioners before the event can be advertised or held, and BCC 7.16.040 requires the application at least thirty days ahead of the first scheduled day.
How much does an outdoor festival permit cost in Benton County?
The fee is set by expected attendance: $250 for under 1,000 people, $500 for 1,000 to 5,000, and $1,500 for more than 5,000, payable with the application under BCC 7.16.040(o). Promoters also post a separate cash deposit or surety bond to cover traffic and parking costs.
What security and insurance does a festival promoter need?
BCC 7.16.040 requires sheriff-confirmed crowd control staffing of one person per 200 attendees, at least 20 percent commissioned officers, and one deputy per 1,000 attendees while the site is open. BCC 7.16.070 also requires liability insurance of at least $1,000 per person for bodily injury and $100,000 for property damage naming Benton County as an additional insured.
Can a festival be held near homes or schools?
Not without consent. BCC 7.16.100 bars siting a music festival within 1,000 yards of a schoolhouse, church, or any residence unless every occupant waives the restriction in writing, so promoters need signed waivers before locating an event close to housing.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Benton County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsPark Event PermitsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Benton County rules

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Street Fair Rules in Cities Across Benton County

Kennewick, WA