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

The use type is defined at § 30-28: an outdoor gathering is any temporary organized gathering expected to attract 500 or more people at one time outdoors, including music festivals, church revivals, carnivals and fairs, but the definition specifically excludes such activities held in public parks, on university campuses, or on public school property, so a county-run park festival falls outside this section. Because Outdoor Gatherings are permitted only with a special use permit in the zoning district use tables, a private organizer must secure an SUP under § 30-19, heard by the Planning Commission and approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Section 30-87-3(A)1 requires the application to identify the sponsoring individuals or parties, describe the nature of the gathering and scheduled events or entertainment, state the number of tickets to be sold and estimated total attendance, and specify the requested dates. A detailed facilities plan under (A)2 must cover adequate sanitation facilities, garbage and trash collection and disposal, and provisions for food, water and lodging, plus adequate medical facilities, fire protection and site security. Additional listed guidelines require supervised on-site parking that keeps emergency-vehicle access clear, off-site traffic controls so the event doesn't burden the road network, lighting capped at one-half foot-candle at the property boundary and directed away from neighbors, and music or noise directed away from adjoining residences, which the Board of Supervisors may specifically limit as a condition of approval. Community Development's Zoning Administrator processes the SUP application, and the Board sets final event-specific conditions.