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Chattanooga, TN Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 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).

View official code

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?
Only if more than fifteen people are attending. Section 26-13 requires a permit from the Administrator of Public Works for any planned assembly of more than fifteen individuals, whether it's a party, wedding, rally or race; smaller gatherings don't need one.
How far in advance do I need to apply for a park permit?
Section 26-14 requires applications to reach the Administrator of Public Works at least ten business days, but no more than thirty, before the event, filed in writing between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on a weekday.
How long can a permitted park event last?
Section 26-13(b) caps every permitted event at three hours and requires it end no later than 10:00 p.m., regardless of the type of event.
Why would the city deny my park permit application?
Section 26-14(b) lists eleven grounds, including a scheduling conflict with an already-booked event, danger to people or property, an incomplete or falsified application, an unpaid fee, or unpaid debt from damage the applicant caused at a past event.

Sources & Official References

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