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Certificate of Live Entertainment
ZONING APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR A CERTIFICATE OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Zoning approval is required for a Certificate of Live Entertainment. This guide provides a step-by-step process to acquire zoning approval.
For more information on a Certificate of Live Entertainment or other zoning approval requirements, email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6830.
Please note: A Certificate of Live Entertainment (CLE) is issued under the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 32-400.15, and Article IV of Chapter 20 – Police, of the County Code. A CLE is required prior to a business offering a regular and recurring form of live entertainment. Call the Land Development Division, Zoning Branch, to determine if the proposed live entertainment requires a CLE.
Live Entertainment shall mean entertainment provided in person including, but not limited to, musical performances, music played by disc jockeys, karaoke, dancing (including dancing done solely by patrons), modeling, or comedy performances.
Please contact the Land Development Division, Zoning Counters to determine if the proposed live entertainment requires a CLE at [email protected] or (703) 792-6830.
- STEP 1: Apply for Zoning Approval
To apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal or in person.
To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Live Entertainment.” Please follow the instructions on the screen.
To apply in person, please bring all necessary documents and check in at the Early Assistance Desk, Development Services Building, 5 County Complex Court, Prince William, VA 22192, to obtain a service ticket for Zoning Counter services. The Zoning Counter is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Tickets for Zoning Counter services stop at 2:00 pm to ensure all customers are served by the close of business.
Please note: A completed application packet can be taken in by zoning counter staff for case creation. Review and comments will be provided at the time of formal review.
- STEP 2: Zoning Approval Requirements (What to bring)
- Provide a completed Certificate of Live Entertainment application.
- Provide a completed Fire Safety & Evacuation plan.
- Provide a copy of the approved site plan.
- Provide a detailed floor plan indicating the area of entertainment, dance floor (if providing), and all ingress/egress doors.
- Provide information regarding whether alcohol is served, and a copy of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority license.
- Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
- Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.
- STEP 3: Other Requirements that may apply
- If you have a building occupancy but have not completed a Night Club Definition Worksheet with the Building Department, you may be required to complete the form before a Certificate of Live Entertainment is issued.
- STEP 4: Helpful information, Tools & Resources
- For questions relating to sanitary facilities or food service permits, you may contact the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).