Howard County, MD Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Howard County Code Sec. 205 makes park activity permits the default rule rather than the exception: unless a permit is obtained before the date of an activity, each activity listed in the section is prohibited outright. The Director of Recreation and Parks decides whether to grant a permit by weighing whether the proposed activity would adversely affect public health, safety, or the maintenance of park property, and whether the size or location of the requested facility can actually accommodate it. Permit holders must keep the permit on hand and show it to department staff or police on request, and the Director can require proof of insurance, charge a use fee, and attach conditions needed to protect public safety or prevent damage.

A permit can be revoked at any time for violating its conditions, submitting misleading or fraudulent information, or breaking any local, State, or federal law. Reserved-use permits cover athletic fields, courts, recreation buildings, group picnic areas, pavilions, and camp sites for the exclusive use of the permit holder; unreserved picnic areas otherwise run first-come, first-served. Sec. 205(c) lists two dozen activities that specifically require a permit before they may occur at all, including aircraft and drone use beyond ordinary conduct rules, possessing alcohol, conducting a business or vending, camping, lighting any fire outside a provided grill, discharging fireworks, grading or disturbing soil, hunting, using metal detectors, applying herbicides or fertilizers, erecting signs, soliciting donations, and holding a special event such as a walkathon, festival, or fundraiser. A permit holder who causes loss, damage, or destruction of park property must reimburse the County for cleanup and repair costs.