Chattanooga, TN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Chattanooga City Code § 26-13(a)-(c)
- Permit trigger
- assemblies over 15 people
- Event length
- 3 hours max, ends by 10 p.m.
- Application fee
- $25.00, nonrefundable, due at filing
- Filing window
- 10-30 business days before event
- Max penalty
- $500 per day, § 1-8
Summary
Chattanooga City Code § 26-13 requires a permit from the Administrator of Public Works for any organized park gathering of more than fifteen people, from weddings to rallies to races. Events can't run longer than three hours or end past 10:00 p.m., and every application needs a nonrefundable $25.00 fee before the city will even consider it.
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to hold any planned and organized public assembly to include such events as parades, meetings, weddings, rallies, special events, shows, races, or other events involving more than fifteen (15) individuals in any park in the city except by a permit issued by the Administrator of Public Works.(b)No event for which a permit is required shall exceed three (3) hours in duration or end later than 10:00 p.m.(c)No permit application shall be considered unless the applicant shall have paid at the time for filing a permit application the required application fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Section 26-13 makes it unlawful to hold a 'planned and organized public assembly to include such events as parades, meetings, weddings, rallies, special events, shows, races, or other events involving more than fifteen (15) individuals' in any city park without a permit from the Administrator of Public Works. m. 00 application fee paid at filing, before the application is even considered. , Monday through Friday. An application is automatically granted unless the mayor or a designee denies it in writing within five business days, for one of eleven listed reasons, including a scheduling conflict with an already-booked date, a danger to persons or property, an incomplete application, a missing fee or insurance certificate, a material falsehood, or unpaid debts from past park damage.
If a permit is denied for a scheduling conflict or because the event can't reasonably be accommodated, the city must propose an alternative site under the Department of Public Utilities, Grounds and Buildings if one is available. Every application must include the sponsor's name and address, the date, a description of the program, requested facilities or equipment, an estimated attendance, and signed agreements to indemnify the city, waive city liability, charge no admission fee, and, if the Administrator requires it, pay for extra police or laborers.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 26 doesn't set its own fine for holding an unpermitted park assembly, so a violation of § 26-13's permit requirement is punished under the Code's general penalty, § 1-8: up to $500.00 per violation, with each day the unpermitted use continues counted as a separate offense. The city can also deny a future application under § 26-14(b) citing an applicant's unpaid debt from a prior violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a birthday party in a Chattanooga park?
How far in advance do I need to apply for a park permit?
How long can a permitted park event last?
Why would the city deny my park permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
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