Richmond, VA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 8-279(c) sets three "Grounds fees" categories tied to what an event includes. Category 1 covers gatherings of fewer than 100 people that charge no admission and involve no fundraising, amplified music, vendors, alcohol, fireworks, carnival attractions, or street closures, at $50.00 per hour with a two-hour minimum. Category 2 applies once an event adds any one of several features: 101 to 300 attendees, a nonprofit fundraiser, amplified sound, public advertising, food or merchandise vendors, alcohol sales, or carnival attractions or street closures, at $100.00 per hour with a four-hour minimum. Category 3 covers the same trigger list but for 301 or more attendees or for-profit/fundraising events, at $150.00 per hour with a four-hour minimum plus staff cost. Events at Kanawha Plaza, the 17th Street Market, or Monroe Park are billed separately at a flat $2,500.00 per day plus staff cost regardless of category.

On top of the hourly grounds fee, organizers must pay a refundable $250.00 security deposit by credit card, a $200.00 early setup fee if they need access the day before the event, and $40.00 per staff person per hour for City staffing. Before any of these grounds fees apply, Richmond City Code § 8-281 requires a nonrefundable $25.00 permit processing fee to obtain the underlying permit for using department-owned grounds, rising to $50.00 total if the application is submitted seven days or less before the event.