Royal Oak Township, MI Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 32-623(5) of the Royal Oak Charter Township Code is the township's permit gate for special events and other temporary uses. The building official may grant temporary use of land and structures, as those terms are defined in § 32-4, subject to all of four conditions. First, written permission for the intended use must come from the owners of the affected property, with adequate off-street parking provided. Second, the applicant must specify the duration of the temporary use. Third, electrical and utility connections must be approved by the building official. Fourth, the township can require a performance bond to assure proper clean-up and restoration of the site.

The definition in § 32-4 limits who qualifies. A special event is an occurrence or noteworthy happening of seasonal, civic, or religious importance, organized and sponsored by a nonprofit township community group, congregation, organization, club or society, that offers a distinctive service to the community such as public entertainment, community education, civic celebration, or cultural or community enrichment. The definition describes special events as running for a short period of time, less than two weeks.

Subsection (6) then prints conditions for specific temporary uses. A carnival or circus has a maximum duration of 14 days, must be operated or sponsored by a nonprofit entity, and cannot be located in or adjacent to any developed residential area except on church, school or park property. Sidewalk display and sale of bedding plants is limited to 30 days, to commercial districts only, and to no more than 50 percent of the width of a public sidewalk. Christmas tree sales are limited to 45 days, with stumps, branches and other debris completely removed from the site and leftover trees removed within one week after Christmas.

The approving officer is the building official, so organizers deal with the Township's building department rather than with a separate festival office.