PERMITTING
You will not need a permit from the city if your project or event is happening on private property. Also, If you are not closing any streets or impeding the public right of way, such as a small gathering in a public park, you may not need a permit. However, if you are organizing an event on city property that will be advertised to the general public, will be a large group, or will host commercial activity, then you may need a Special Event Permit ( see below). It’s always wise to check with the Special Events Office to be sure. Use of city parks and greenways is also subject to the policies and procedures of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department.
STREET CLOSURES
Most of the street closures shown on this Placemaking Raleigh website close only one or two blocks on a local-service, residential street. They meet the city’s definition of a Neighborhood Block Party: “small-scale gatherings, such as neighborhood potlucks or barbeques, initiated by and intended to attract only local residents who live on or in close proximity to the street being closed.” In order to close streets for this kind of event, you must apply for a permit 30 days prior to the event and pay a $50 fee. Below is a chart showing the permit fees and deadlines for all the different types of street closures and events.
NEIGHBORHOOD BLOCK PARTY PERMIT
See the city website for details on neighborhood block party permits. They are meant for neighborhood-oriented events.
Here is the link to the Neighborhood Block Party Application, due 30 days before the event date.
NOTE: The online application form does not allow you to save your information once you begin. To get a preview of the information you will have to submit, see the images of the application form at the bottom of this page.
SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS
If your event is closing major streets, is inviting the general public and is expecting larger crowds, then a Special Events Permit is needed. A special event permit also allows for commercial activity.
The city defines it as: “an organized activity that uses or impedes public right-of-way for entertainment, commercial, or social purposes. It often involves amplified noise, food, beverage, merchandise, and/or other forms of entertainment. Examples include festivals, performances, rallies, markets, parties, tournaments and other similar events.”
There are 3 Tiers based on impact and size:
TIER 1: Greater impact on the community, which may involve the closure of multiple city blocks; closure that inconveniences numerous residents or establishments; excessive noise; attendance of 500 or more people; and significant event infrastructure that requires inspection and permitting by the Raleigh Fire Department’s Office of the Fire Marshal.
TIER 2: : Low-impact events that close only one city block and/or an off-street venue; have fewer than 500 total attendees; affect a minimal number of residents or establishments; and have no significant event infrastructure.
TIER 3: Minimal-impact events that take place in off-street venues, do not close roads, have fewer than 200 total attendees, affect a minimal number of residents or establishments, and have no significant event infrastructure.
For Tiers 2 and 3, events cannot include:
Tents over 800 square feet or inflatable structures over 400 square feet
Fireworks, pyrotechnics, open flame performances, or bonfires
Special amusement buildings or rides
Amplified sounds beyond the use of small speakers
Full closure of City Plaza (use of only the off-street portions of the Plaza is permissible )
Read here for more detail about the city’s Special Events Policy.
The city also has an online Special Events Planning Guide to help you.
The Special Events Application does not allow you to save your information once you begin. It requires a detailed site plan of the event footprint. For more information on site plan requirements and to see site plan examples, visit the Site Plan Resources page.
Special Events Office Contact:
tel: 919-996-2200
email: specialevents@raleighnc.gov