Roanoke County, VA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 15-9(3) of the Roanoke County Code creates the permit process that runs through the whole of Chapter 15: whenever a park activity is otherwise prohibited by the chapter's rules, such as reserving a shelter exclusively, holding fireworks, running an organized athletic-field event, or serving alcohol, a permit from the director makes it lawful. To apply, subsection (a) requires the applicant to file with the director the applicant's name and address, the name and address of any sponsoring person, corporation or association, the day and hours desired, an estimate of anticipated attendance, and any other information the director finds reasonably necessary.

Subsection (b) sets the standards the director applies before issuing a permit: the activity must not unreasonably interfere with the public's general enjoyment of the park, must not detract from public health, welfare, safety or recreation, must not be reasonably anticipated to incite violence, crime or disorderly conduct, must not create an unusual or burdensome expense or manpower demand on the Roanoke County Police Department or other county operations, and the requested facility must not already be reserved for another use at that day and hour.

Subsection (c) gives the director seven days to issue or refuse the permit in writing, and lets an aggrieved applicant appeal in writing to the county administrator within five days; the administrator must sustain or overrule the director within fifteen days, and that decision is final. Once issued, subsection (d) binds the permittee to every park rule as if written into the permit, subsection (e) makes the permittee liable for injuries caused by the permittee's negligence, and subsection (f) lets the director revoke or modify the permit for a violation of its conditions or for good cause.