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

Chapter 15, Article III of the Lake County Code licenses 'outdoor festivals,' defined at Sec. 1 as any musical, dance, rock or similar festival held outside a permanent building, with music by paid or amateur performers or recordings, to which the public is invited free or for a charge. Sec. 1 bars anyone from operating, maintaining, conducting, advertising, or selling tickets to such an event without a county license. Under Sec. 1, the written application goes to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at least 60 days before the festival, with a nonrefundable $100 application fee, and must detail the applicant's identity, the exact parcel and parking areas to be used with proof of ownership or consent, the dates and hours, expected attendance, and a full plan covering security, water, food, sanitation, medical care, traffic control, and cleanup.

The Clerk sets a public hearing 15 to 30 days out under Sec. 1, with copies routed to the Sheriff, County Health Officer, Road Commissioner, Planning Commission and Chief Building Inspector for written recommendations. At the hearing, Sec. 2 lets the Board of Supervisors impose conditions on security, water, food and concessions, sanitation, medical services, parking and traffic, overnight lighting, and performance or indemnity bonds, and Sec. S. Forest Service before any permit issues. Once conditions are met, the Clerk issues the license under Sec.

5 for a fee of $150 per day of operation. 6 if the licensee violates conditions or lets the festival run in a disorderly manner or with intoxicated attendees.