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1. Do I need an Outdoor Special Event Permit?

A permit is required on private and public property if any of the following apply to your event:

• The total number of people reasonably expected to attend on private property exceeds 500
• Carnivals, bazaars and similar events open to the general public which offer such activities as amusement rides or devices, games of skill, animal rides or exhibitions, food concessions, or live entertainment with amplified sound
• The total number of people reasonably expected to attend such a meeting or event exceeds 50 and the event is to take place on city property other than at a park or on the streets or sidewalks
• Block party, procession, parade, or public assembly occupying, marching or proceeding along any street or highway

A permit is required when your event is located at a park or public recreation area and any of the following criteria applies to your event:

• 500 or more people are expected to attend a planned gathering at a park, park shelter, or recreational facility
• Event or activity will involve use of amplified sound
• Use of temporary structures or facilities, such as tents, stages, amusement devices (included but not limited to a, bounce house or dunk tank), or food concessions
• The general public is invited to or notified of the event or activity by the media
• Animals on display for show, for rides, or as a petting zoo
• Alcohol will be served
• The park shelter or recreational facility will be used in a manner other than its usual recreational use

2. When is a permit not required?

• Funeral processions
• A parade or procession of the armed forces of the United States, the military forces of the state, or the forces of the police or fire departments
• Regularly scheduled public school activities or functions organized by public schools and conducted on property owned by the School Board of the City of Chesapeake
• The operation of an established business enterprise which is conducted wholly or in part outside of a building, at the site of the permanent business address of such business
• Other events as permitted by the City ordinance or other applicable law

3. How do I obtain an Outdoor Special Event Permit?

Call or visit the Special Events Coordination Office at:

Chesapeake Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1224 Progressive Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
Phone: 757-382-6411
Fax: 757-277-9365
Email the Special Events Coordination Office

Or download the Special Event Permit Application (PDF). For more information, download the Special Event Guidebook (PDF).

4. What is the administrative fee for an Outdoor Special Event Permit?

Before an Outdoor Special Event Permit is issued, the below non-refundable administrative fees are required:

• Event held on public (non-park) or private property - $28.20
• Event held in a public (City of Chesapeake maintained) park - $0 (park rental fees apply)
• Block Party or event held on public streets/sidewalks/right-of-ways not requiring road closures (Parades less than ¼ mile, less than 5 units, less than 50 people and does not use public streets) - $10.00
• Event held on public streets/sidewalks/right-of-ways requiring road closures - $100.00

5. When do I need to submit my Outdoor Special Event Application?

Complete and return the City of Chesapeake Outdoor Event Permit Application (PDF) according to the following schedule:

• 30 days prior if anticipated attendance is 499 or less, and/or requires closing a minor neighborhood street (i.e., "Block Party" on a "dead-end" or "cul-de-sac" street)
• 60 days prior if anticipated attendance is 500 to 1,000, and/or requires closure of a minor street with simple traffic control or traffic detour
• 90 days prior if anticipated attendance over 1,000, and/or requires closure of a major roadway, intersection or network of streets

6. How long does it take to obtain an Outdoor Special Event Permit?

The application will be distributed to all City departments and public agencies affected by your event, which may also need to issue additional permits. Each department or agency will review the Permit Application only if all forms are completed and all necessary information and supporting documents are included. You will be contacted individually by these departments or agencies only if they have specific questions or concerns about your event. Please be aware that in some cases you may have to contact federal, state or local agencies in addition to the City of Chesapeake.

Event Coordination staff shall act upon the Outdoor Special Event Permit Application required by this policy within 15 business days of all requirements being fulfilled, notifying the applicant of the decision. If the application is denied, the reasons shall be set forth in writing, and staff will make every effort to work collaboratively with the applicant to determine alternate conditions which meet the requirements dictated by reviewing departments.

7. Where can I find a list of Special Events occurring in Chesapeake?

The City of Chesapeake maintains a list of special event permits for upcoming events. For more information, contact the Special Events Coordinator at 757-382-6411.

Please Note: The calendar contains only those events submitted to the City of Chesapeake. It is not a complete list of every event in Chesapeake, and is subject to change.

8. Does the City provide barricades for road closures?

The company or individual is responsible for acquiring and setting up the necessary barricades in accordance with guidelines provided by the Public Works Department. You may find barricade companies by looking in the yellow pages under the subject Barricades.

9. What are the guidelines and procedures to serve alcohol at my event?

Private Property

Applicant must:

1. Obtain an Outdoor Special Event Permit
2. Obtain an ABC Permit
3. Submit a site plan for review
4. Submit a security plan for review
5. Submit a letter of permission to hold the event from the property owner/manager

Public Property

Alcohol consumption is generally not permitted on any property owned by the City of Chesapeake.

Alcohol is not permitted at any City of Chesapeake park or recreational facility other than those listed in City of Chesapeake Code 50-20. Alcohol consumption at portions of Chesapeake City Park, Battlefield Park, Elizabeth River Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Chesapeake Arboretum, Judge Eileen A. Olds Courtyard Park and The Portlock at South Norfolk may be approved for some festivals, large special events, and large corporate events as permitted by the City and pursuant to regulations established in the Alcohol Request Guidelines and Procedures (PDF).