Apply for a park permit

A valid park permit is required for conducting any of the following in a Santa Clara County Park:

• Special events: Includes any activity or event coordinated by a formal organized group which will be advertised or noticed in any publication, poster, flyer, public website or social media; or requests or requires a fee be paid for participation; and/or may be attended by 100 or more people.
• Ongoing activities or programs: For organized group activities or programs that will impact parking, staffing, or reservable areas.
• Regulated activities: As determined by Ordinance B14-45.3.
• Sales of any services or products (Concessionaires Permit): Includes all commercial use of the parks (vendors). 
  Concessionaires have a monthly fee and reporting requirement associated with their permits. The monthly reporting is done through the Concession Accounts and Records DocuSign Power form.
• Filming sessions - Capturing or recording motion pictures using video, film, digital or other technology.
• Commercial photography: Any form of black and white or color photography (digital, chemical or by other means or technology) that is performed for profit or other commercial purposes or that may be sold or used for commercial purposes.
• Specimen/data collection or scientific research
• Spreading of ashes
• Activities and programs outside of established County Parks standards

Submit a completed park permit application​​ to request a permit for conducting any of the above in a County Park.

Permit Application

Completed applications can be:

• Emailed to [email protected]
• Dropped off or mailed to the Parks Administration Office located at:
  5965 Silver Creek Valley Road
  San Jose, CA 95138

The submittal of a permit application is a request for your event or activity only. The application does not constitute a permit or approval for your event or activity. Upon tentative approval of your application, permit requirements must be completed in order to receive a final permit and proceed with the event or activity.

Park permits requirements and fees

• Park permits standard conditions: These standard condition terms apply to all permits issued.
  • There may be additional conditions that apply. Our permit staff will notify you of additional addendum items once the application is processed.
• Insurance requirements: Proof of insurance is required for all Special Event and Concessionaire Permits. Please review this information for the exact requirements. Insurance may be required for other permits not listed. Our permits staff will notify you once the application is processed. 
• Additional time sensitive documentation may also be required, examples of this include:
  • Environmental Health Authorization (food and beverages)
  • ABC Permit (Alcohol)
  • Jurisdictional Authorization
  • Music Licensing Permit
• For information regarding permit fees contact the Permits Division at [email protected] or by calling (408) 355-2201 during normal business hours.
• Concessionaires have a monthly fee and reporting requirement associated with their permits. The monthly reporting is done through the Concession Accounts and Records DocuSign Power form.

Animal pulled carts, metal detecting, and RC boats

Permits are also required for the following:

• ​Animal pulled carts
• Metal detecting
• RC boating

Email [email protected] or call (408) 355-2201 during normal business hours to obtain an Animal Pulled Cart, Metal Detecting, RC Boating permit information.

Become a vendor or exhibitor for parks events.

If you are interested in becoming a vendor or exhibitor for an event hosted by County Parks, complete the vendor interest notification form.