Forms Module

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Special Event Permit Application

  1. City of Charleston Seal
  2. City of Charleston Special Event Permit Application
    Department of Livability & Tourism 75 Calhoun Street, Suite 3400 843-805-3225 www.charleston-sc.gov
  3. Beginning the Application Process
    Please take a few minutes to review the application before beginning to be sure that you have all of the required information. If you create an account (located on the top right of this page), you will be able to save any incomplete applications and come back to them at a later time. Please note that incomplete applications will not be accepted.
  4. Required Documents
    Many of the forms and templates needed to complete the application are available as links throughout this application. A detailed event schedule and site plan are required for all events. Other documents that may be required include: Parking Map, Street Blocking Permit, Food and Retail Vendor List, ABL License, Liquor Liability Insurance, Certificate of Insurance, and Neighborhood Notification.
  5. Event Information
  6. If other was selected, please type the event location. ex. Street name for race, walk, parade, block party. Address for private property or other public space not listed.
  7. Please provide a brief description and purpose of the event.
  8. Please indicate the number of anticipated participants in the event.
  9. Please indicate the number of anticipated spectators to this event.
  10. Please indicate the number of anticipated volunteers for this event.
  11. Type of Event*

    Please select all that apply

  12. Please indicate the start time and date and ending time and date of the event.
  13. Please provide a detailed schedule of the proposed event to include dates and times of the event and load-in/out and note the individual responsible for each activity. If needed, a schedule template is provided below. If your event is longer than one day, you will need to provide a detailed schedule for each day.

  14. Setup and Breakdown of Special Event
    Will your event require extra days for setup and breakdown? If so, please select setup and/or breakdown to add the days and times.
  15. Please upload your site plan here. On your site plan please note the location of entrances and exits, retail, food and alcoholic beverage vendors, controlled alcohol consumption areas, tents, stages, bleachers, amplified sound, signs or banners, portable restrooms, electric and water hookups, first aid stations, fire extinguishers, garbage and recycling receptacles, barricades, hazardous materials, fire hydrants, exhibits, and security. If you need assistance or have questions about the site plan, please contact our office. Click below to find a sample site plan.

  16. Parking, Street Closures, and Traffic Control
  17. Please explain in detail parking arrangements for the event. Be sure to list parking garages, lots by name and location.

  18. Parking and Transportation Options
    Please indicate how you plan to address parking and transportation options for the event.
  19. Please provide a detailed explanation of how you are addressing parking and transportation options as indicated above.

  20. Please provide details of the event's parking and exit plan. Upload a map showing the location of parking for the event to include all entrances and exits.

  21. Will the event require traffic control? *
  22. Will the event require any road closures? *
  23. Does the event restrict access to any private or public parking lots?
  24. If yes, the applicant must provide a signed letter of notification to all impacted parties before the special event permit will be issued.
  25. Please upload a map showing details of any traffic control needs and route if the event is a parade, run, walk or march. Be sure to include the direction of travel and the start and end points. Provide proposed locations for barricades, signs, meter bags, volunteers, and police.

  26. Other Event Details
  27. Please select all that apply
  28. NOTE: Amplified sound is prohibited in Hampton Park, Waterfront Park or White Point Garden. Power is not available in all locations. 

  29. Please note that permits are required for some tents/canopies based on size and configuration. Call the City of Charleston Fire Marshal Division for information 843-724-3429.
  30. Please note that permits may be required for stages and bleachers. Call the City of Charleston Building Inspections Division for information 843-973-7257.
  31. Number, Type, Size, Square Footage and Location
  32. Number, Size, Location and Material
  33. Please upload a list of vendors. All vendors must have a City of Charleston Business License.

  34. What type of alcoholic beverages will be served? *
  35. Please upload your Liquor Legal Liability Insurance. List the City of Charleston as additional insured. All alcohol ticket sales must end 40 minutes prior to the event ending time and alcohol service must end 20 minutes prior to the event ending time.

  36. The temporary license can be requested through the South Carolina Department of Revenue's Alcoholic Licensing Beverage Division.

  37. If you do not have this number at this time, you may submit it to the Special Events Manager by email at a later date.

  38. Please list the designated areas where alcohol will be served and consumed. Be sure to include this information on the event site plan.
  39. Please indicate the start and end time for alcohol service. Please note that all alcohol ticket sales must end 40 minutes prior to the Special Event ending time and alcohol service must end 20 minutes prior to the Special Event ending time.
  40. Who will be serving the alcohol?*
  41. Please describe type of amplified sound or music including start and finish times. Amplified sound and/or music is restricted to 65 dBA on all City of Charleston property. Amplified sound and/or music must stop at 11pm. Amplified sound and/or music is prohibited in Hampton Park, Waterfront Park and White Point Garden.
  42. Please provide total number of portable restroom facilities and number of ADA accessible facilities.
  43. Explain your detailed trash/recycling and cleanup plan for the event. Note that all trash must be removed from the event space by the organizer.
  44. Sustainable Event Guide

    Single-use plastic regulations are in effect. Every event hosted within the City of Charleston is expected to be sustainable and follow the single-use plastic regulations.


    Please refer to the Sustainable Event Guide to learn how to make your event more sustainable.

  45. Safety and Security
    Each event will be reviewed for safety and security concerns and will be required to provide adequate security and/or safety personnel as directed by the City of Charleston Police and Fire Departments. Please review the Special Events Manual for more information.
  46. Event Components
    Please select all that apply
  47. Crisis Management Contact Information
    Each Special Event is required to submit 24 hour emergency contact information for the event.
  48. If the event will have fireworks or any material that is flammable or hazardous, please describe the material, size/amount and usage.
  49. Emergency Medical Services*
    Will first aid staffing/equipment be provided during the Special Event?
  50. Please review the insurance requirements detailed in the Special Events Manual.  This information is required before a permit can be issued.

  51. Please upload the required draft Neighborhood Notification Letter. This letter should include the dates and times of the event. See below for a sample neighborhood notification letter. 

  52. Event Cancellation Clause
    The City of Charleston cannot guarantee that an event may be rescheduled once cancelled for any reason.
  53. Application Accuracy and Completeness
    I agree that this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge and that I have read and agree to be held to all information in the special events manual.
  54. Hold Harmless Clause

    Applicant agrees as follows: 

    The Applicant shall be liable for, indemnify, defend and hold the City of Charleston (“City”), its officers, agents, servants, representatives, employees, attorneys, consultants and independent contractors (collectively referred to as the (“Indemnitees”) harmless from any and all liabilities, suits, obligations, fines, damages, penalties, claims, charges and expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees and disbursements) (“Damages”) that may be imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against any of the Indemnitees arising out of or related to, whether directly or indirectly, from the acts or neglect of the Applicant, its officers, agents, employees, or members, participants, guests, invitees, or persons under the control of the applicant whether or not such damages are due to the negligence of the City or otherwise; provided, however, that the foregoing liability and indemnity obligation shall not apply to any Damages to the extent arising out of any willful misconduct or gross negligence of the City, its officers, employees, servants, agents, attorneys, consultants or independent contractors. Further, the Applicant acknowledges that a condition of the City’s approval of this application is that the City assumes no liability for liabilities, suits, obligations, fines, damages, penalties, claims, costs, charges and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorney’s fees and disbursement) to either persons or property on account of the same, except as expressly provided herein. 

    The Applicant shall forever release and discharge the City, its officers, agents, servants, representatives or employees from any and all claims, demands, rights of action or causes of action, present or future, whether same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from the Applicant’s event as well as the presence of the Applicant’s agents, representatives, invitees, servants, employees or independent contractors during the Applicant’s event. 

    The Applicant, as well as its successors, shall forever refrain from instituting, prosecuting or maintaining any action, suit or proceeding, at law or otherwise against the City, its agents, servants, representatives, or employees based upon any injuries which it may suffer, including death or damages, both personal or to property, whether same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from the Applicant’s event, as well as the  presence of the Applicant’s agents, representatives, invitees, servants, employees or independent contractors during the Applicant’s event. 

    Where an event occurs on the grounds of Marion Square, the Applicant expressly agrees to the terms above outlined as it relates to the City, its officers, agents, servants, representatives, employees, attorneys, consultants, independent contractors, but also for The Board of Field Officers of the Fourth Brigade, its officers, agents, servants, representatives, employees, attorneys, consultants, and independent contractors.

  55. Leave This Blank:

  56. This field is not part of the form submission.