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

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

Key Facts

Licensing body
Merced County Board of Supervisors
Application fee
$100, nonrefundable
Filing deadline
60 days before the event
Daily license fee
$150 per scheduled day
Nonprofit exemption
Fees waived for charitable events
Max penalty
$500 fine, 6 months jail

Summary

Anyone operating an outdoor festival, defined as a periodic outdoor gathering for rock, dance, or theatrical performances, in unincorporated Merced County must obtain a Board of Supervisors license, filed at least 60 days ahead with a $100 application fee and reviewed at a public hearing.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

It is unlawful for any individual, partnership or corporation to operate, maintain, conduct, advertise, sell or furnish tickets or other types of written authority for admission to an outdoor festival in the unincorporated area of the county, unless he, they or it shall first obtain a license from the county to operate or conduct such festival.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

020). 040). 050). 090). 110). 140).

Violations & Fines

Any violation of Chapter 6.40 is punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense under Section 6.40.160. The Board of Supervisors can also revoke a license after a hearing with at least 24 hours' notice if the licensee violates a license condition, allows disorderly conduct or intoxicated persons on site, breaks the law, or made a false statement in the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to hold an outdoor festival in unincorporated Merced County?
Yes. Section 6.40.020 requires a license from the county before anyone operates, conducts, advertises, or sells tickets to an outdoor festival, defined as a periodic outdoor gathering for rock, dance, or similar musical or theatrical performances open to the public.
How far in advance must I apply for a Merced County outdoor festival license?
Section 6.40.040 requires the application to be filed with the tax collector at least 60 days before the planned event, and the tax collector cannot issue the license until the Board of Supervisors authorizes it at a regular meeting following a public hearing.
How much does a Merced County outdoor festival license cost?
Section 6.40.030 sets a nonrefundable $100 application fee, and once the Board grants the license, Section 6.40.100 requires the tax collector to collect an additional $150 per day for each day the festival is scheduled to run.
Can Merced County shut down an outdoor festival early?
Yes. Section 6.40.140 lets the Sheriff suspend operation and close a festival before the license expires if a riot, major disorder, or serious breach of the peace occurs and closure is necessary to prevent injury to people or damage to property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Merced County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsSidewalk Dining & CafésSome RestrictionsPark Event PermitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Merced County rules

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