Johnson County, KS Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Sec. 50-89 makes it unlawful to conduct, operate, manage or participate in an amusement enterprise or exhibition, defined in Sec. 50-84 to include circuses, carnivals, exhibitions and street fairs, without first obtaining a permit. Sec. 50-90 sets the standards: the event must take place on privately owned property zoned for agricultural or commercial use with the owner's written consent, the applicant must submit a detailed site plan showing structures, utilities and parking, and no activity may occur within 1,000 feet of any residence other than the property owner's.

The area used, excluding parking and transportation routes, is capped at one acre unless the county manager grants an exemption after finding the larger area will not harm surrounding properties and is reasonably necessary for the event. Sec. 50-91 requires a certificate of insurance naming the county, property owner and sponsor as additional insureds, with minimum coverage of $5,000,000 per occurrence for circuses and carnivals, $1,000,000 for exhibitions only, and $200,000 for a street fair standing alone. Sec. , for no more than seven consecutive days, with lighting and sound kept from disturbing nearby residences, daily rubbish removal, and full restoration of the property once the event ends.

Sec. 50-88 bars gambling, alcohol sales and use of county roads or right-of-way for the event itself. Sec. 50-86 exempts county or state agencies and school-sponsored events held on school property.