McLean County, IL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

McLean County Code § 350-43MM(3)(b)[2] defines Type 2 special events as short-term cultural and entertainment events intended primarily for entertainment or amusement, expressly naming concerts, circuses, fairs, carnivals and festivals. Unlike smaller Type 1 events, Type 2 events are confined by district: they are only allowed in a C Commercial, M-1 Restricted Manufacturing or M-2 General Manufacturing District, so a fair cannot locate in an agricultural or residential district in the unincorporated county. Every Type 2 application requires review and approval by the County Board under § 350-43MM(3)(c)[2][c], not administrative sign-off by staff.

The complete application, filed with the Director of Building and Zoning on the county's form and accompanied by the Board-set fee, must be submitted at least 20 days before the event's requested start date under § 350-43MM(3)(c)[4]. It must include a sketch plan showing structures, restrooms, trash receptacles, parking and signage; written landowner consent; proof of compliance with McLean County health and safety standards; and approval from the road authority maintaining access to the festival. The County Board then sets the event's duration, hours of operation, off-street parking requirements and any additional conditions, and total event duration for a single property is capped at 14 weeks per calendar year with no single permit exceeding six weeks under § 350-43MM(3)(d)[3].