Rutherford County, TN Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Carnival/fair district
- CG Commercial General only
- Carnival/fair time limit
- 15 days
- Children's rides
- 7 days, any commercial district
- Community events/tent assemblies
- Up to 45 days
- Permit type
- BZA Special Exception
- Renewal bar
- Any citation in prior 12 months
Summary
A carnival, circus or street fair on unincorporated Rutherford County land needs a Board of Zoning Appeals temporary use permit issued as a Special Exception. Section 1101 M.1 caps carnivals and fairs at 15 days in the CG Commercial-General district, while Section 1101 M.6 allows community events and tent assemblies for up to 45 days in any district.
1. Carnival, Circus or Fair ... A temporary use permit may be issued in the CG District; however, such permit shall be issued for a period of no longer than fifteen (15) days. Such use shall only be permitted on lots where adequate off-street parking can be provided and where adjoining uses will not be affected. a. A temporary use permit may be issued in any commercial district for children's rides and events provided that adequate parking and traffic circulation is available, any existing business operations will not be disrupted and subject to a maximum time period of seven (7) days.
Full Breakdown
Section 1101 M of the Zoning Ordinance governs temporary uses including street fairs. Any operator must apply to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a temporary use permit issued as a Special Exception, routed through the Planning and Engineering Office, with a concept plan, use description and enough detail to fix yard requirements, setbacks, sanitary facilities, signage and parking. 1 covers a carnival, circus or fair specifically: the permit may issue only in the CG (Commercial General) District, runs no longer than 15 days, and requires adequate off-street parking and no disruption to adjoining uses.
a lets any commercial district host children's rides and events for up to 7 days under the same parking and non-disruption conditions. 6, Community Events and Tent Assemblies, which the Board may permit in any district, including residential, for up to 45 days, again conditioned on adequate off-street parking and undisturbed adjoining uses. 2 lets outdoor food and merchandise sales run up to a maximum the Board sets at six months per year. Renewal is administrative rather than a fresh hearing if the Planning Director confirms the applicant, property, zoning district, and tent or facility dimensions all match the prior approval and the operator has drawn no citation, warning or fine from any law enforcement or code agency in the preceding 12 months.
Violations & Fines
Operating a carnival, fair or street event without an approved Special Exception permit, or exceeding the district's day limit, is a zoning violation enforced by the Director of Building and Codes under Section 1410. Section 1410 B makes noncompliance a misdemeanor punishable as provided by Tennessee law, with each additional day of unpermitted operation a separate offense, and a vendor's citation history within the prior 12 months can also disqualify a future administrative renewal under Section 1101 M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a street fair in unincorporated Rutherford County?
How long can a carnival or fair run?
Can I renew my fair permit without a new hearing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee special events & permits overview
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