Hanford, CA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Temporary use permit, Ch. 17.76
- Covers
- Carnivals, fairs, festivals, concerts, food events
- Review type
- Administrative, non-discretionary
- Exempt example
- School- or City-run events on their site
- Enforcement
- Public nuisance; administrative citation
Summary
Carnivals, fairs, festivals, and other large-crowd events in Hanford, California require a temporary use permit under the city's zoning code before they can operate.
The following temporary activities and uses may be allowed, subject to the issuance of a temporary use permit prior in accordance with this chapter and Chapter 17.70:
A. Any use listed in Table 17.08.020 or Table 17.08.030 that is identified as a temporary use.
B. Construction yards, storage sheds, and construction offices (off site) in conjunction with an approved construction project, where the yard, shed, or office is located on a site different from the site of the approved construction project.
C. Entertainment and assembly events, including carnivals, circuses, concerts, fairs, festivals, food events, fundraisers, haunted houses, outdoor entertainment/sporting events, and similar events designed to attract large crowds and when not otherwise part of or consistent with a permitted use (e.g., race at a raceway).
D. Farmers markets.
E. Temporary sales, including swap meets, flea markets, rummage sales, and similar events in locations not specifically designed for such events.
F. Seasonal sales occurring outdoors when not related to an existing business.
G. Temporary sales offices.
H. Temporary land uses on unimproved or partially improved sites in a zoning district that allows that land use on a permanent basis.
I. Temporary community food banks.
J. Other temporary activities that the Community Development Director determines, when applying objective factors, are similar in nature and intensity to those identified above.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4873707; v4 updated 2026-03-17).
Full Breakdown
Hanford Municipal Code § 17.76.030(C) requires a temporary use permit for entertainment and assembly events -- carnivals, circuses, concerts, fairs, festivals, food events, fundraisers, and similar events designed to draw large crowds -- unless the event is already part of a permitted use. The Community Development Director reviews the permit administratively and non-discretionarily against General Plan and zoning standards (§ 17.76.010), and standard height, parking, and setback rules for the site's zoning district still apply to any temporary festival structures (§ 17.76.040).
Violations & Fines
Running a street fair or festival without an approved temporary use permit is a public nuisance under Title 17 (§ 17.94.053); the Code Enforcement Officer can issue an administrative citation ordering the event stopped or permitted within 10 days (§ 17.94.060).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a street fair in Hanford, CA?
Which Hanford events are exempt from the temporary use permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hanford
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