Frequently Asked Questions
What is a special event?
A special event draws a crowd and doesn’t occur on a regular basis.
How do I host a special event?
First, determine what type of special event you are hosting from the following list:
Town-Recognized Event
A celebration, festival, activity or other event that is sponsored wholly or in part by the Town, or that is recognized or proclaimed as a Town-recognized event by the Town Council. A list of such events is maintained in the Town Clerk’s Office.
Not-For-Profit Event
Any event that is requested by, or held for, a recognized non-profit organization or other charitable organization, with at least 51 percent of the revenue derived from the event intended for a not-for-profit entity or for its programs.
Special Event
Events such as a circus, carnival, cultural event, fair, celebration, communal camping, ground-breaking, grand opening, religious service, musical or other show that reasonably may be expected to attract 100 or more persons but does not meet the criteria of a Town-recognized event or a not-for-profit event.
Private Event
An organized event that is not open to members of the general public, typically lasts less than 12 hours, and does not have significant negative impacts on surrounding properties. Examples of such events include, but are not limited to, wedding ceremonies, funerals, private parties or other similar gatherings.
Will I need a permit?
Special events require a Temporary Use Permit except for:
> Private events
> Athletic events held at approved sports facilities
> Temporary not-for-profit car washes held on developed sites
> Garage and/or yard sales
> Block parties occurring entirely upon the grounds of a private residence or common area of a multi-family residential development
> Other events with 99 people or fewer in attendance provided there is little likelihood of damage to public or private property, injury to persons, public disturbances or nuisances, unsafe impediments to pedestrian or vehicular travel, or other significant adverse effects upon public health, safety or welfare
How do I apply for a temporary use permit?
If your event does require a temporary use permit, an application needs to be submitted to the Town Planning Department.
All applications for special and not-for-profit events must include such the following information and supporting materials:
> A description of the proposed event including the schedule for the event’s preparation, start and end time, and clean up.
> Written permission from the property owner.
> The location of the property (or properties) upon which the proposed event will take place.
> A security plan, showing sufficient staffing, provision for pedestrian safety, restroom facilities (if necessary), and traffic routing. This includes proving that the event will not cause interference for emergency vehicles.
> A parking plan.
> If applying for a not-for profit event, evidence of the non-profit status, as well as a signed affidavit from the event sponsor indicating that at least 51 percent of the revenue generated by the event is intended for a recognized 501(c)(3) or 426(c)(3) organization.
Can I post signs to publicize my event?
Signs posted for a special event must meet the guidelines required by the Town’s sign ordinance:
> Temporary uses are allowed one sign on the property of the event. A ground mounted sign may be up to 42 inches in height and 16 square feet in area. Wall mounted signs shall not exceed 32 square feet.
> The Town of Cary does not allow balloons to be used as attention attracting devices.
If the event does not require a temporary use permit but does require signage, a temporary sign permit is required.
Do I need any other permits or approval to host a special event?
Contact the Police Department if:
If the special event requires that a road be blocked off to vehicular traffic for any duration, you must get permission from the police department. Contact the Police Department at (919) 460-4901.
Contact the Fire Department if:
If a special event requires a tent over 200 square feet with sides or any canopy over 700 square feet without sides, a tent permit is required. If the event has inflatable devices such as moonwalks, the Fire Department will need to do an inspection. Contact (919) 469-4057 at least three days prior to the event to schedule an inspection.
Contact the Permits and Inspections Department if:
If a special event requires a stage, temporary generator, or other structure, a permit may be required. Contact (919) 460-4977 to determine if a building permit is required.
Contact the ABC Board if:
If any alcohol is present at the event, a permit is required from the ABC Board.
Contact the NC Department of Labor if:
If the event has any carnival rides, NCDOL’s Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau is required to inspect and approve the rides.
Apply for a Privilege License
If any goods are to be sold at the event, each vendor must obtain a privilege license through the Town of Cary Finance Department.
Contact
For complete permitting requirements, contact the Town of Cary Planning Department at (919) 469-4082.