Special Events & Permits in Scranton, PA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Scranton, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Reserving a Scranton ball field, pavilion or the city's Showmobile for a game, tournament or gathering requires a schedule approved by the Department of Parks and Recreation and a set fee under City Code § 332-20. Fields such as Weston, Pine Brook and Rockwell run $125 per team for residents and $175 for nonresidents, plus lighting surcharges.
Scranton Park Field & Facility Reservation Fees
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code § 332-20A(10)(b),(c)
All schedules must be approved by the Department of Parks and Recreation. All activities will be balanced to serve all parties interested in using this facility. The City shall evaluate the field conditions to determine the availability of the field for any given day. The season shall end the last week in September. ... A one hundred fifty dollar ($150.) fee for field use per season shall be as...
Parade Permits
A parade, festival, or other new special event that will draw a large crowd in Scranton needs a temporary-use approval from the Zoning Hearing Board under City Code Section 445-34. The Board denies the request outright if sanitary and water service, traffic control, off-street parking, or public safety protections are not adequate for the event.
Scranton Special Event Zoning Approval
Significant RestrictionsScranton City Code § 445-34.D
Other temporary uses. A temporary permit may be issued by the Zoning Hearing Board as a special exception for structures or uses, other than those specifically listed in this chapter, subject to the following additional provisions: ... Duration. The Zoning Hearing Board shall establish a limit on the duration of the use. In most cases, a temporary approval should have a maximum term of no longe...
Street Fair Rules
Street fairs, festivals, and other community activities held in Scranton must recycle under City Code Section 400-33.I, the same as any commercial establishment. Any special event defined as a 'community activity,' one drawing more than 200 people, has to separate cardboard, office paper, aluminum cans, and leaf waste generated at the event rather than sending it all to the trash.
Scranton Festival Vendor Recycling Rule
Some RestrictionsScranton City Code §§ 400-26, 400-33.I
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY: Any special event held in the City with over 200 people in attendance. This includes festivals, picnics, sporting events, parades and similar activities. ... All community activities and special events held in the City must recycle the same items as are required of commercial establishments if these items are generated during the event. Special events may include festivals, ...
Parklets
Scranton defines a parklet as a platform or similar surface extending into the City right-of-way, such as a sidewalk or parking space, fitted out with tables, chairs, planters or bike parking under City Code § 412-58, and § 412-59A requires a Bureau of Code Enforcement permit before installing one, the same permit track used for sidewalk cafes.
Scranton Parklets Need a Right-of-Way Permit Too
Significant RestrictionsScranton City Code § 412-58
PARKLET — A platform, similar level surface, or other encroachment on or extending into the City right-of-way (such as a sidewalk or parking space), designated as public space, with amenities such as but not limited to tables, chairs, benches, plants, bike parking, umbrellas, canopies, and related appurtenances.
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Scranton requires a permit from the Bureau of Code Enforcement before anyone can operate a sidewalk cafe under City Code § 412-59, and § 412-60 sets the application fee at $25. Applicants must show they are current on City taxes and fees, keep the area free of debris, and staff the cafe with a full-time employee during business hours.
Scranton Sidewalk Cafes Need a $25 City Permit
Significant RestrictionsScranton City Code § 412-59A
Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a sidewalk cafe or parklet without a permit from the Bureau of Code Enforcement.