Charleston, SC Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Charleston's special events ordinance (§§ 2-185 through 2-194) covers any pre-planned activity on public streets, sidewalks, trails, parks, or other city property that significantly impacts public property or normal traffic. Section 2-187 sorts events by size: a small event has fewer than 500 attendees and impacts multiple city departments and a public street, right-of-way, or city facility; a medium event runs 500 to under 1,000; a major event is 1,000 or more. A neighborhood block party that closes a street qualifies as a small event at minimum.

Under § 2-189(a), the applicant must file with the special events committee, along with the city's special events processing fee, at least 60 days before a small event's date, listing the location or route, date, and time. At least 10 business days before the committee meeting, the applicant must submit a full information package covering a site plan, security plan, sanitation plan, traffic control plan, and, if alcohol will be served, an alcohol plan. Once approved, the committee sends a notification letter listing fees and conditions; those fees are due 30 days before the event, and a stamped permit issues within five days of payment.

The applicant must also notify the district councilmember and any impacted neighborhood association or businesses at least 30 days before the event, with a reminder notice 15 days out. Section 2-192 makes it unlawful to hold, participate in, aid, or start a special event without this permit.