Onslow County, NC Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 12-32 of the Onslow County Code of Ordinances requires a permit before anyone erects a structure, stand, or platform, or holds a meeting, exhibition, ceremony, speech, or address in a county park. The permitting mechanics are set out in Section 12-4: a permit authorizes an act only to the extent it is performed strictly in accordance with its terms and conditions, and any violation by the holder or the holder's agents or employees is grounds for the parks and recreation department, or its authorized representative, to revoke the permit, with that decision being final.

If a permit is revoked, any money already paid may, at the department's option, be forfeited and retained, and the permit holder together with any agent or employee who violated the terms remains jointly and severally liable to the department for damages exceeding the forfeited amount. Neither the forfeiture nor collection of damages excuses the violator from prosecution for breaking any county parks regulation. Section 12-1 defines a permit as 'any written license issued by or under authority of the department, permitting the performance of a specified act or acts,' confirming that verbal or informal authorization does not satisfy the requirement.

Related permit-only provisions in the same chapter reinforce the scope: Section 12-29 requires a permit before selling merchandise, offering services, or erecting a booth, tent, or structure in a park, and Section 12-30 requires a permit to operate a bus, taxicab, or other commercial passenger vehicle inside a park. Under Section 12-3, all of these parks regulations apply within and upon every county park, site, and recreational area under the parks and recreation department's jurisdiction.