Charlotte, NC Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

City Code Sec. 15-138(c) requires anyone planning a designated park activity to file an application with the director of the department that runs the parks. The application must state the applicant's name and address, the sponsoring person or organization if any, the day and hours requested, the park or portion of it sought, an estimate of anticipated attendance, and any other information the director finds reasonably necessary to decide the request. The director must issue the permit once satisfied on five findings: the activity will not unreasonably interfere with or detract from general public enjoyment of the park; it will not unreasonably interfere with public health, welfare, safety and recreation; it is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct; it will not entail unusual, extraordinary or burdensome expense or police operation by the city; and the facilities have not already been reserved for the requested date and hour.

If the director refuses, Sec. 15-138(c)(3) requires written notice of the reasons within 14 days, and the applicant may appeal in writing within seven days to the city manager's office, which reviews the refusal against the same five standards and issues a final decision within seven days. A permittee is bound by all park rules as though they were written into the permit, and the director may revoke a permit for a rule violation or other good cause. Sec. 15-138(c)(6) directs the director to set a fee schedule for park equipment and facility use, subject to city manager approval, reviewed annually and posted in the department office. Separately, Sec. 15-139 makes Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers responsible for enforcing the whole park-rules article and lets them eject violators from any park.