Outdoor Gatherings, Parades & Road Races
A Special Event Permit is required to hold any outdoor gathering, musical or entertainment festival, parade, or road race as defined in
Chapter 14 of the Code of James City County. Visit
PermitLink to learn more about Special Event Permits.
Permit Requirements & Exclusions
If the event meets any of these criteria it will require a permit:
- Open to the public
- Held in an open space
- Held within a public or private road right-of-way (ex: Parade or Road Race)
- Not held in a “Permanent Installation”
- Outdoor Gathering with 200 or more attendees
- Musical or entertainment festival
If the event meets any of these criteria it will not require a permit:
- Private guest list/not open to the public
- Held entirely indoors
- Held in a “Permanent Installation”
- Outdoor Gathering with less than 200 attendees
A permanent installation is considered to be a facility which is constructed for a specific purpose and use. When such facility is used for an event unrelated to its customary use, it will not be considered a permanent installation.
Applications
Applications for a Special Event Permit should be completed in our
PermitLink system at least 90 days in advance of the proposed event.