Special Events & Permits in Norfolk, VA (2026)
4 verified special events & permits rules for Norfolk, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Holding a block party or street fair on a Norfolk street or other public place requires a permit from the city manager under Code § 29-69, applied for through the director of public works at least 60 days ahead with a $100 processing deposit plus city service costs. The city manager can deny the permit or later close streets for public safety.
Norfolk Block Party and Street Fair Permit
Significant RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 29-69
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a block party or street fair upon any of the streets of the city or other public places of the city without obtaining a permit therefor from the city manager. The application for the permit shall be submitted sixty (60) days in advance of the event with the director of public works and shall contain information as to the date and time of the bl...
Park Event Permits
Renting a Norfolk park, field, shelter, or recreation facility for a private event requires a permit from the director of parks and recreation under City Code Sec. 30-49, plus a nonrefundable $25 application fee. The director must issue the permit under Sec. 30-43 unless the event would interfere with public enjoyment, safety, or an already-reserved facility.
Norfolk Park Facility Rental Permits
Some RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 30-49
(a)Except for festival parks, a person seeking the issuance of a permit for the rental of any park or recreation area or facility for a private purpose shall file an application with the director of parks and recreation. All will be charged a non-refundable application fee in the amount of twenty-five dollars ($25.00). The application shall state:(1)The name and address of the applicant.(2)The ...
Parade Permits
Conducting a parade, public assembly, or expressive activity in a Norfolk street, sidewalk, or park requires a permit under City Code Sec. 29-67.1, with applications due 30 days ahead for major-street closures or 5 business days ahead otherwise, plus a $10 fee. Spontaneous events, funerals, and gatherings under 30 people off-street are exempt.
Norfolk Parade and Assembly Permits
Some RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 29-67.1
(c)Permit required.(1)It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct or participate in a parade, public assembly or expressive activity in any traditional public forum of the city without a written permit issued in accordance with the provisions of this section.(d)Application.(1)(A)When a parade, public assembly or expressive activity will require the blocking or temporary closure of one or mor...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Restaurants that want to build an outdoor dining area in Norfolk's public right-of-way need a § 42-12.1 permit from the department of public works. Rules cap hours at 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., ban smoking, vaping and open-flame cooking, and require $1 million in liability insurance naming the city as additional insured.
Norfolk Sidewalk Outdoor Dining Permits
Significant RestrictionsNorfolk Code of Ordinances § 42-12.1
Outdoor dining area. A space located entirely within the public right-of-way, including all structural elements associated therewith, designed to be used for outdoor dining as an ancillary activity related to the operation of a nearby restaurant... (c)Prohibited and restricted activities. The following prohibitions and restrictions apply to all approvals for any outdoor dining area, whether gra...