Cherokee County, GA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Code of Ordinances Section 18-142 defines a special event to expressly include block parties, along with trade shows, festivals, fairs, fun runs, parades and similar gatherings, where the event is held wholly or partly on county-owned property, on a street or sidewalk likely to be obstructed or to compromise emergency response, or on other property needing county services beyond what the county routinely provides. Section 18-143 makes it unlawful for any promoter to run a special event, block party included, without first obtaining a permit.

The permit under Section 18-144 is limited to the approved number of days, not to exceed 21. Section 18-145 requires an application naming the applicant/sponsor, the nature of the activity, the location or route, date and time, plus a general plan covering parking, sanitation and emergency response. Section 18-146 has the board of commissioners, county manager or designee weigh whether the event can run safely, whether police and fire diversion will shortchange the rest of the county, and whether it conflicts with already-scheduled county work.

Section 18-148 requires a certificate of insurance from a Georgia-licensed carrier at least 14 days before the event, with approval conditioned on receiving it. Section 18-149 requires the marshal's consent for any alcohol sales or consumption at the event, on top of the county's separate alcoholic beverage licensing. Section 18-150 sets a flat permit fee schedule plus a non-refundable application fee, with additional charges possible for electrical, security or fire marshal conditions, all due at the time of application.