Charlottesville, VA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

City Code § 18-37 puts the city manager in charge of the permit system: standard operating procedures set the application process, timelines for granting or denying a permit, grounds to revoke one, reasonable time-place-manner conditions, and fees, rentals, and insurance or indemnification requirements. Under § 18-37(b), anyone intending to conduct an "event" on public property, defined by § 18-36 to include any land or premises owned or leased by the city, such as parks, must obtain a permit first, unless the activity is exempt under the city manager's procedures or already covered by a permit issued under another chapter of the Code.

The definition of "special event" in § 18-36 specifically excludes a gathering of ten or more people in a park for general recreational or sports activities, so informal park use stays permit-free while organized festivals, races, fairs, carnivals, and similar reserved activities do not. Sponsors who accept a permit certify their application information is accurate and that they will follow every permit condition, and a copy of the permit must be available for inspection by city staff during the event. Section 18-38 layers on an insurance requirement for special events: general liability and property damage coverage of at least $1,000,000 naming the city as an additional insured, though the city manager can waive it in whole or part for financial hardship or low-risk events, based on factors like injury risk, crowd size relative to venue, food sales, event duration, and use of stages or heavy equipment.