Special Event Permit

A permit is required for any person, group or organization to conduct or participate in a special event, parade, walk, race or block party on a street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way. For exceptions to this requirement, please refer to Chapter 38, Article XII – Special Events, Parades and Races in the Newport News Code of Ordinances. An application for a special event must be submitted online not less than thirty (30) days for limited events and not less than ninety (90) days for expanded events prior to the scheduled event  No application shall be accepted more than one hundred and eighty (180) days before the proposed event date. An application for any activity for which the primary purpose is expressive activity and/or to exercise free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States may be submitted not less than three (3) business days nor more than one hundred eighty (180) days before the date of the proposed event.

Complete Application Online

Requirements

In general, each application must include the following items:

  • A completed and signed checklist form.
  • A sketch of the event. If the event is a walk, race or parade, the sketch must provide turn by turn directions for the proposed route. If the event is a block party, the sketch must show the area proposed to be blocked off.
  • General liability insurance documentation which must include a separate endorsement naming the city as an additional insured and a document stating the city will be notified thirty (30) days prior to policy cancellation (or ten [10] days for non-payment).

Certain events may require additional documents not specifically mentioned above. For more information regarding requirements and regulations, please refer to Chapter 38, Article XII – Special Events, Parades and Races in the Newport News Code of Ordinances.

Application Fee (nonrefundable)

A fifty dollar ($50.00) fee for each limited special event and a one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee for each expanded special event is required to be paid at the time of application submission. Additional Labor, Equipment and Services (LES) fees may be required depending on the type and size of event. If you have any questions, please contact the Permits office at permits@nnva.gov or 757-933-2311.