Story County, IA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Story County classifies carnivals expressly among the special events regulated by Chapter 83, alongside concerts and races, under Section 83.01. Because these events draw vendors and food service, Section 83.06(1) requires the special events application to include, item by item: environmental health plans covering fresh water supply, solid waste containers and disposal, and toilet facilities or portable toilets (subsection H); the names and contact information of every vendor, plus an Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals food establishment permit for any vendor serving food (subsection I); and, for any vendor or organizer serving alcohol, a copy of the liquor license or application from the State Alcoholic Beverages Division, with the sale itself needing separate approval from the Story County Board of Supervisors (subsection J).

The Director forwards the application to Story County Environmental Health for review alongside the Sheriff's Office, fire and ambulance districts, County Engineer, County Conservation, and Emergency Management under Section 83.06(2), and any of those agencies can impose additional conditions to protect public health and safety under Section 83.06(3). The application also must disclose the promoting entity's contact information, admission fees or donations charged, and a certificate of liability insurance, and tents or vendor structures must meet the zoning district's setbacks. Approval rests with the Board of Supervisors, and the event cannot begin until the Board issues the permit with its terms and conditions, under Section 83.08.