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

Section 17-103 requires the appropriate governing official to schedule the use of picnic areas, group-use facilities, or other public areas by issuing a permit whenever Chapter 17 requires one; any facility that is unreserved and unscheduled is otherwise available first-come, first-served. Sec. 17-104(b) lists reserving picnic facilities or any group-use facility among the enumerated activities requiring a permit. Under Sec. 17-105, the written application must state the applicant's name and address, the sponsoring person or organization, the day and hours requested, the nature of the proposed activity, the specific public area sought, an estimated attendance, and any other information the official reasonably needs.

Sec. 17-106 sets the standards for issuance: the activity must not unreasonably interfere with the public's enjoyment of the area or other scheduled activities, must be reasonably accommodated in the facility applied for, must not be anticipated to incite violence or disorderly conduct, must not entail unusual or burdensome police expense, the facility must not already be reserved for the requested time, and the applicant must not have a history of violating permit conditions. Sec. 17-107 authorizes a uniform schedule of user fees, maintenance fees for items like electrical service or equipment rental, admission-fee authorization, and a refundable security deposit held in escrow against damage.

Sec. 17-108 requires a decision within 12 days; a denied applicant can appeal in writing within 12 days, with a ruling due within 15 days, and Sec. 17-109(b) keeps the permittee liable for damages beyond any deposit.