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Temporary Activity Permits
ZONING APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR TEMPORARY ACTIVITY PERMITS
Zoning approval is required for temporary activity permits. This guide provides a step-by-step process to acquire zoning approval.
For more information on temporary activity permits or other zoning approval requirements, email [email protected] or call (703) 792-6830.
Please note:
ALL APPLICATIONS ARE TO BE SUBMITTED 4 WEEKS OR EARLIER, BEFORE AN EVENT AND 60 CALENDAR DAYS IN ADVANCE OF CARNIVALS OR CIRCUSES.
A Temporary Activity Permit or TAP, is used for an activity or event that runs for a specific period and does not constitute a permanent use, or a use is not so recurring in nature as to constitute a permanent use.
Examples of temporary uses that are allowed with a permit:
- Roadside stands for sales of seasonal goods;
- Carnivals, circuses, craft fairs, concerts (outdoors), flea markets and car shows;
- Outdoor meetings, tent revivals, business events, organization picnics;
- Professional golf tournaments, horse shows, and similar activities;
- On-premises promotional sales events at permanent retail stores;
- Food truck events with more than 4 trucks (see Mobile Food Vendor Policy).
- Step 1: Apply for Zoning Approval
APPLY 4 WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT
APPLY 60 CALENDAR DAYS BEFORE THE EVENT FOR CARNIVALS OR CIRCUSESTo apply for zoning approval, you may apply online via ePortal, in person, or via email to [email protected].
To apply online, please visit ePortal. When you are logged into your ePortal account, go to "Apply", select "Plans", and select “Zoning Approval – Temporary Activity.” 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 Temporary Activity Permit Application.
- Notarized authorization from the property owner or legal representative stating the type of activity authorized and the dates of the activity, including availability of restrooms. (See page 6 of the Temporary Activity Permit application). An executed contract will also be accepted.
- Fire safety evacuation plan. Fire Safety and Evac Plan.
- If restroom facilities are not available on-site, submit notarized authorization from the adjacent property owners, allowing employees and patrons to use restroom facilities, or a contract from a company providing portable sanitary facilities.
- For commercial sites, provide a copy of the approved site plan, survey plat, or detailed (to-scale) sketch of the site showing location of the proposed activity (must be at least 20 feet from all abutting streets), and the required number of off-street parking spaces allocated for the activity.
- For residential sites, provide a house location survey plat showing the location of the proposed activity and location of the off-street parking spaces allocated for the activity.
- Non-profit organizations must submit a copy of tax-exempt status (copy of tax-exempt certificate) to demonstrate bona fide nonprofit or not-for-profit status.
- Review the Zoning Fee Schedule for the applicable processing fee and pay by credit card.
- If a sign is proposed, submit a Temporary Sign Permit Application.
- Review Step 3 below to check if other requirements may apply to your property or project.
- STEP 3: Other Requirements that may apply
- If your organization is for-profit, a Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) may be required. To learn more, go to Business License.
- If you use a county road maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for the activity, authorization from VDOT will likely be required.
- Depending on the size and location of the event, you may need police assistance to direct traffic. Find the link to Hire an Off-Duty Police Officer.
- If you use tents, we will need to know how many and the size. If the square footage exceeds 900 square feet, a permit from the Building Development Division will be required. To learn more, visit Temporary Tents Guidelines.
- If you are providing entertainment for your event, and a stage is proposed, see Temporary Stages and Platforms – Submission and Inspection Guidelines.
- If you provide inflatables, the stickers will need to be reviewed by Building Development Division staff.
- You may need a Peddler Solicitor Vendor license.
- If you are an event sponsor with independent vendors, you may be required to get an Itinerant Vendor Event Sponsor permit.
- STEP 4: Helpful information, Tools & Resources
- For questions relating to sanitary facilities or food service permits, please contact the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).