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Assembly Permit for Special Events
Public Assembly Permits are required for Special Events that utilize public spaces, such as streets, greenways, public parks, and plazas. Events contained to private property do not require a Public Assembly Permit. The use of City greenways, parks, and plazas requires coordination with the Parks and Recreations Department. When in doubt, contact our office.
Special Event Policy
Please take a moment to review the Special Event Policy and Special Event Planning Guide before submitting your Assembly Permit Application
How to Apply
You may submit an online Public Assembly Permit Application by clicking that link and filling out the form. This is the preferred method of submitting a Public Assembly Permit Application.
You may also print and fill out a Public Assembly Permit Application by clicking this link, and then scanning all your forms and sending them to the following email addresses:
- Events in city parks, city plazas, or greenways to Parks and Recreation -
[email protected]
Note: Contact Parks and Recreation to determine the required rental fee and security deposit to reserve your chosen event venue.
- Events in the public right-of-way to Public Works Department - [email protected]
This method may take longer, which is why we recommend the online Public Assembly Permit Application.
Application Deadlines
SPECIAL EVENT TYPE | APPLICATION DEADLINE |
---|---|
Parade | 120 days prior to the event date |
Walk/Race 5K or less | 120 days prior to the event date |
Race over 5K | 120 days prior to the event date |
General Event * | 14 days prior (less than 100 persons in attendance, or no street closures requested) |
General Event * | 30 days prior (100 or more persons in attendance or street closures requested) |
Neighborhood Block Party | 14 days† prior to the event |
Filming & Photography | 14 days (one day shoot); 30 days (multiple days or locations) |
An application is not considered a complete application until the signed application form and all required supporting documents (e.g. sitemap, Emergency Action Plan, Certificate of Insurance) have been received by the City.
* Applications for all General Events in Elmwood Park to utilize the amphitheater must be received at least 90 calendar days prior to the proposed date of the event.
† Apply at least 30 calendar days prior to the event date if the block party might utilize tents, amusement structures, fireworks, etc. as these devices involve special permitting.
Event Feedback
Please provide us with your feedback about your experience with a recent special event in the City of Roanoke. We welcome citizen and participant feedback and utilize this information in future planning. Survey link:
APPLYING FOR AN EVENT DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT YOUR EVENT WILL BE APPROVED!
The City assumes no liability if an event is not approved — Selling tickets, advertising, gaining sponsorship and other activities done prior to event approval is done at the risk of the event organizer.
Instructions for Banner/Flag/Holiday Decoration Permit
Before you submit an application to hang a banner, flag or holiday decoration in the Roanoke's Central Business District, you will be required to call the Traffic Engineering office at 540-853-6784 to determine if a location is available for your banner or flags on the date you wish to hang them. View the location information (PDF). A tentative reservation for a location can be made up to 6 months in advance of the installation date. Permit/Application forms should be submitted at least 30 days in advance of the banner/flag installation date. Download the application form (PDF).
Insurance Certification
A certificate of insurance must be provided with the application showing general liability insurance coverage in the amount of one million dollars. Said certificate of insurance shall name the City of Roanoke, its officers, employees, agents, and volunteers as additional insureds as well as list the City of Roanoke as the certificate holder. View a CIO example form (PDF).
Reserved Locations
The City has reserved the flag holders on downtown street light poles for American flags on the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), Flag Day, July 4th (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), and Veterans Day.
Approval Criteria
Criteria used to determine whether a permit application should be approved is based on whether the banner promotes the “general welfare and economy of the City” pursuant to Section 30-109 of the City Code. In no case should sponsor advertising occupy more than 50 percent of one side of a banner. Further, the applicant is required to contact the owner of the building to which they plan to attach the item to ensure there is no problem with the advertising or any other information that will appear on the banner/flag/holiday decoration and to gain their consent.
The completed application/permit and the certificate of insurance are to be returned to the Traffic Engineering Office at 1802 Courtland Road, NE, Roanoke, Virginia 24012. We will then process the application/permit for approval.
Note
If the permit is for the Williamson Road Area Business Association’s location in the 3200 block of Williamson Road, the certificate of insurance shall name the Williamson Road Area Business Association, its officers, agents and employees as an additional insured and shall be filed with the WRABA office (4804 Williamson Rd, Roanoke VA 24012) more than ten (10) calendar days before the first day of display of any holiday decoration, flag or banner erected by the permittee.
Dumpster and Portable Storage Container Permit Process
To apply for a dumpster permit for portable storage container that will be placed in the right-of-way, please contact your local dumpster company or storage container facility. *Please note that the Dumpster/Portable Storage Container company must sign the application.
Moveable Sign Permit
Moveable signs (or Sandwich Boards) are portable signs placed on the public sidewalk outside a business. The sign is displayed during business hours and removed when the business is closed.
Moveable signs are allowed throughout the City of Roanoke. However, if a business is located within the City of Roanoke's Downtown Historic District (H1), a Certificate of Appropriateness (PDF) must be obtained prior to submitting an application for a moveable sign.
Please refer to the Instructions for Application Process (PDF) for more information.
Related Documents
Right of Way Excavation Permit
The Purpose of these Right of Way Excavation and Restoration Standards is to establish standards and guidelines governing excavations and restorations within the public Right of Way of the City of Roanoke, Virginia. The intent of these Standards is to preserve settlement resulting from excavation. The City's objective is to ensure the integrity of its street infrastructure, provide for the public safety, and minimize inconvenience to the traveling public. These standards are necessary for the benefit, the safety and general welfare of the public.
For more information, please refer to the City of Roanoke's Right of Way Excavation and Restoration Standards (PDF)
To apply for a permit, please submit a Right of Way Permit Application to the Permit Center
Contact Us
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Dwayne D'Ardenne
Transportation Division Manager
Transportation Division
1802 Courtland Road NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
Email the Division
Staff Directory
Phone: 540-853-2676
Services: 540-853-2000
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Social Media
Upcoming Special Events
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Upcoming Street Closures
ROANOKE, VA - Upcoming special events with parking or street restrictions. Read on...
Click here to see all active street closure events map in the City of Roanoke.