Jackson County, GA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Sec. 28-55, in the reservoir's rules and regulations article, requires that use of the authority's property for any special event be arranged through the county parks and recreation department, in compliance with the reservoir management plan. That arrangement matters because the reservoir is otherwise a tightly restricted property: Sec. 28-31(b) lets the county operate the boat ramp facilities and adjacent areas on dates and within hours it determines in its sole discretion for special events and holidays, beyond the posted seasonal schedule. Sec. 28-32 separately requires anyone entering the reservoir to first secure the appropriate entrance permit, reviewed and set annually by the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority.

Event organizers who want to post signs, handbills, or other advertising for their event need prior written permission from the reservoir manager under Sec. 28-58, and commercial activity on the property is otherwise unlawful under Sec. 28-59, which is why routing an event through parks and recreation, rather than showing up unannounced, is what makes an organized gathering lawful. Sec. § 15-10-60.