Special Events & Permits in Howard County, MD (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Howard County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Howard County requires a special event permit for any block party, defined in County Code § 17.900(b) as an outdoor party for people who live in a neighborhood, only when it closes or reroutes traffic on a public street. Unlike most special events, § 17.905(c)(1) exempts block-party organizers from the permit fee altogether.
Howard County: Block Party Permits Waive the Fee
Significant RestrictionsHoward County Code § 17.900(b), § 17.901(a), § 17.905(c)(1)
(b)Block party means a party that is held outdoors for people who live in a neighborhood. ... (a)Special Events. A person shall obtain a permit under this subtitle for a special event if the special event:(1)Requires the closure of a street, highway, or road; or(2)Requires authorized County employees to stop or reroute vehicular or pedestrian traffic because the special event will not or cannot...
Park Event Permits
Reserving a pavilion, athletic field, or camp site in a Howard County park, or holding any activity listed in Sec. 19.205, means getting a Director-issued permit first. Unpermitted, the activity is simply prohibited, and the Director can charge a fee, require insurance, and revoke the permit for any violation.
Howard County Parks Require Event Permits
Significant RestrictionsHoward County Code § 19.205 (Permits)
Permits Generally. The Director is authorized to issue a permit for each activity set forth in this section. Unless a permit is obtained prior to the date of an activity, each activity set forth in this section is prohibited. The Director may also require a permit to conduct an activity not listed below. ... (2)The permit holder shall keep the permit on the premises at all times and shall prese...
Parade Permits
Howard County requires a special event permit before any parade, defined as a march or procession on a public street under County Code § 17.900(h) and § 17.901. The rule replaced a dedicated parade-permit law repealed in 2018, and § 17.905(c) still exempts parade applicants from the permit fee entirely.
Howard County: Parade Permits Required, But Fee-Free
Significant RestrictionsHoward County Code § 17.900(h), § 17.901(a), § 17.905(c)(1)
(h)Parade means any march, procession, or other similar activity consisting of persons, animals, vehicles, or things, or any combination thereof, upon any public street. ... (a)Special Events. A person shall obtain a permit under this subtitle for a special event if the special event:(1)Requires the closure of a street, highway, or road; or(2)Requires authorized County employees to stop or rero...
Street Fair Rules
A street festival counts as a 'public assembly' special event under County Code § 17.900(l), and organizers must get a Department of Police permit under § 17.901(a) whenever the fair closes a street or requires rerouted traffic. Unlike parades and block parties, street fairs are not fee-exempt: the County can charge both an application fee and a permit fee.
Howard County: Street Fairs Need a Permit, Plus Fee
Significant RestrictionsHoward County Code § 17.900(l), § 17.901(a), § 17.905(c)
(l)Public assembly means a group of persons collected together in one place for the same purpose including, without limitation a street festival or similar activity or expressive activity. ... (a)Special Events. A person shall obtain a permit under this subtitle for a special event if the special event:(1)Requires the closure of a street, highway, or road; or(2)Requires authorized County employ...
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