Special Events & Permits in Arlington County, VA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Arlington County, Virginia.
Verified from official government sources
Parade Permits
Arlington County requires a permit from the County Manager before a circus can parade on county streets. Under County Code § 11-32, a circus or carnival that performs only on private grounds owes no license tax at all, but the moment its show moves onto public streets and highways as a circus street parade, a $100 flat license tax attaches and no license issues until the County Manager grants the parade permit.
Circus Street Parade Permit, Arlington County
Some RestrictionsArlington County Code § 11-32
No license tax or fee is due from a circus or carnival performing on a temporary basis in the County, except if the streets and highways of the County are to be used for a circus street parade, in which case a license tax of one hundred dollars ($100.00) is due, and no such license shall be issued except after a permit for such parade has been obtained from the County Manager.
Street Fair Rules
Arlington County treats carnivals, fairs, festivals and similar public gatherings as "special events" under its Fire Prevention Code, requiring advance notice to the fire prevention office, a permit for gatherings needing safety review, and a 20-foot fire access lane at the event site.
Arlington County Special Event Fire Access Rules
Significant RestrictionsArlington County Code §§ 8.1-403.12.2, 8.1-503.1.4 (Fire Prevention Code)
403.12.2.1 Notification. The owner, lessee or management agent shall notify the fire prevention office of the gathering and request a pre-gathering inspection of the premises and public safety plans. 403.12.2.2 Permit required. A permit shall be required for all gatherings, both indoor and outdoor, that in the professional judgment of the fire code official requires inspection by the fire preve...
Parklets
Arlington County Code § 22-5(L) creates the Parklet Program, allowing individuals, businesses, organizations and business improvement districts to convert curbside parking spaces into publicly accessible seating areas in non-residential parts of the County. Installations can run for one year or longer but require County Manager approval under program guidelines.
Arlington County Parklet Program Rules
Significant RestrictionsArlington County Code § 22-5(L)
L. Parklet Program. 1. Purpose and Intent. The Parklet Program is intended to allow for the installation of publicly accessible parklets that serve as an extension of the sidewalk by converting curbside parking spaces into vibrant public spaces within non-residential areas and that may be installed for one year or longer... 2. Definitions... "Parklet" is a small, contained area with seating and...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
A restaurant that wants tables and chairs on an Arlington County sidewalk needs an annual Outdoor Cafe License from the County Manager under Code Chapter 70. The owner files a detailed plan, pays an application fee plus an annual license fee, carries liability insurance, and renews every year by July 1 or the license lapses.
Arlington County Outdoor Cafe License Required
Significant RestrictionsArlington County Code §§ 70-5, 70-6
A. License for Certain Outdoor Cafés. Outdoor Cafés located over, under, upon, and within a Public Space, otherwise allowed by the Zoning Ordinance and the Building Code, may be permitted by an annual Outdoor Café License in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter, provided that: ... 5. The Applicant, along with the written consent of the owner of the property upon which an Outdoor Caf...
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