Worcester County, MD Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section PS 4-101 of Title PS 4 (General Safety Laws, Subtitle I, Safety and Public Assembly) governs large outdoor gatherings in unincorporated Worcester County, Maryland. A camp meeting, bush meeting or outdoor music festival intended for and resulting in the congregation of one hundred or more people, in open spaces or temporary structures, needs a permit from the County Commissioners before it is held, and promoting such an event without the permit is separately unlawful. The application is in writing, signed by the applicant and the property owner, with a legal description of the site.

Under § PS 4-101(b), it must carry detailed plans for conducting the activity and for restoring the site, an environmental impact statement, and certificates from the Worcester County Health Officer, the nearest recognized volunteer fire company (countersigned by the County Fire Marshal), the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police (countersigned by the Sheriff), the Mayor and Council of the nearest incorporated town, and the Planning Director and Zoning Inspector. A certificate from the Worcester County Sanitary Commission is also listed, though an Editor's Note records that the Commission was abolished by Bill No.

93-19. The County Commissioners charge a processing fee, schedule a public hearing advertised in a newspaper of general circulation with at least three insertions over a period of four weeks, and then grant or deny the permit; their decision is final. An issued permit can carry conditions and restrictions, and the Commissioners can require a bond for faithful performance. Fundraising for charitable purposes by churches and civic or charitable organizations located within Worcester County is exempt, as are activities on publicly owned property with the written consent of the public body, except for events on waters owned or managed by a public entity.