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

York County's Code defines a 'musical or entertainment festival' as any gathering to listen to or participate in entertainment consisting primarily of musical renditions in open spaces outside an enclosed structure (Sec. 3-47). No person may stage, promote, or conduct such a festival in the unincorporated county without a permit issued under Chapter 3, Article III, Division 2 (Sec. 3-57). The application must be filed in writing, in duplicate, with the county administrator at least 60 days before the event (Sec. 3-58), and it must include nine supporting items: ticket or badge details with an attendance estimate, promoter and financial-backing information, the property owner's identity and location, a sanitation and waste-disposal plan approved by the health officer, a food, water, and lodging plan approved by the health officer, a medical-facilities plan approved by the health officer, a parking and traffic-control plan, a fire-protection plan approved by the fire chief, and an outdoor-lighting plan plus a statement that sound will not be unreasonably audible beyond the property line (Sec.

3-59). Applicants must give the board of supervisors written permission for county agents and law enforcement to enter the property to check compliance (Sec. 3-60). The board acts on the application at its next regular meeting after the county administrator's recommendation, issuing the permit in writing or mailing a written denial with reasons (Sec. 3-61). Music cannot run more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period, measured from the first performance (Sec. 3-50), and no one under 14 may attend without a parent or guardian who stays with the minor throughout (Sec. 3-51). The board can revoke a permit for noncompliance (Sec. 3-62).