Kent County, DE Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Kent County Code § 168-5A requires a permit for three categories of park use: exclusive use of recreation buildings, grounds, pavilions and other designated areas; 'special events of a cultural or recreational nature and pageants held on park property'; and restricted vending or concession of food or beverage items, tied to an exclusive-use application. Under § 168-5B, any person or association seeking to reserve a facility must file an application with the Division 'in the form prescribed by the Division,' at least 15 days before the desired reservation date, though a facility exclusive-use application 'will be accepted no earlier than three months in advance of requested event date.'

The Division issues the permit only if satisfied the proposed activity will not unreasonably interfere with general public use of the park, will not detract from public health, morals, welfare, safety or recreation, is not reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct, and will not create unusual or burdensome expense for police operations or county maintenance. It also weighs the park's normal size and purpose, its surrounding area, and whether the facility can accommodate the intended use. Section 168-5C requires the county to maintain 'a permit fee schedule... for each park facility or activity that is subject to a permit fee,' collected at reservation confirmation along with a security deposit equal to the permit fee. If the Division refuses an application, § 168-6 gives it five days to notify the applicant and state its reasons, and the applicant can appeal in writing to the Parks and Recreation Commission, which must rule within five days of receiving the appeal.