Special Event Permit

Thanks for thinking about hosting a special event in Chapel Hill. We believe that community celebrations and special events contribute to a vibrant and inclusive community, positively impacting residents, businesses, visitors, and the community at large.

Special Event Permit Checklist

Please complete the following steps before starting your permit application. You cannot save your application once you’ve started. You can find details about each step in the Getting Started Guide.

1. Review the Getting Started Guide.(PDF, 234KB)
2. Have a clear vision of your event.
3. Create a legible, detailed map of your event layout.
4. Reserve your event space (if applicable). To reserve a public park or facility, click here.
5. Develop a public safety and emergency plan.
6. Have a debit/credit card handy to pay the $50 application fee.
7. Collect your organization’s Certificate of Insurance (if applicable).

Apply Here

Please note: the $50 fee is not refundable. Additional fees may apply, based on the scale and scope of your event. The complete Town fee schedule is available here. The $50 fee may be waived for neighborhood block parties. Email our special event permit team at: coordinator_events@townofchapelhill.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply for a permit?

If you answer yes to any of the questions below, then you need to apply for a permit:

Does your event size or activities impact nearby residents or businesses?
Is your event publicly advertised and open to the public?
Is your event on or near a public street, sidewalk, or parking lot?

What if my event is on private property?

If you still answer yes, to any of the questions below, then you need to apply for a permit:

Does your event size or activities impact nearby residents or businesses?
Is your event publicly advertised and open to the public?
Is your event on or near a public street, sidewalk, or parking lot?

Can I see the application ahead of time?

Yes. A sample application is available for download. However, we only accept applications through the online form here.

Sample Application

I have more questions. Who should I contact?

Email our event permit team at: coordinator_events@townofchapelhill.org or call 919-969-4896.