As of Dec. 14, 2009, a new Special Events Permit Pre-Application Form is available to help guide residents and groups planning special events through the existing event application process.

IMPORTANT: No additional regulations or requirements were added as part of creating the new form. No additional events are required to get permits or approvals.

WHY DO WE NEED THE NEW FORM? The purpose is to improve overall customer service by saving applicants time, avoiding confusion, and enhancing communications. Permits or approvals required vary widely based on type of event and amenities, so the new pre-application form should make it easier to navigate the process with all relevant agencies. The form also helps ensure safer, better coordinated events for attendees.

Prior to the creation of the form, applicants had limited guidance on who to contact first and which permits or approvals were needed. Each event has to be evaluated based on where it is and what it entails so that staff can correctly guide people to the right places.

WHICH EVENTS MUST APPLY? The pre-application form applies to the same events that had to obtain permits or approvals in the past: large outdoor public events, such as fairs, carnivals, street festivals or similar events involving tents, air-supported structures (inflatables), food sales, art shows, outdoor musical performances or plays, and fireworks displays.

If you are not sure if an event requires a pre-application, contact the Chatham County Central Permitting Office at 542-8230.

WHERE ARE FORMS AVAILABLE? The special event pre-application forms are found below or can be found at the permitting counters in Chatham County’s Dunlap Building at 80 East Street in Pittsboro.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? After sending in the pre-application form, the applicant will receive a returned copy with a specific list of next step contacts. The applicant will take this form when meeting with other agency contacts.

SPECIAL EVENTS PRE-APPLICATION FORM

Click for form in MS Word: Can be completed on your computer, saved and printed out.

Click here for PDF form: Can be saved but must be completed by hand or typewriter.