Permit Applications

Last updated or reviewed on March 26, 2026

Planning an outdoor event on private property in Asheville may require one or more permit applications, depending on attendance, temporary infrastructure, fire-related activities, electrical setup, food service, sound impacts, and site conditions. This page explains how private property event applications work, what you must submit, and what additional permits or approvals may apply based on your event setup.

How Applications Work

Applications are submitted electronically. Submit your application no later than 21 days before the event, and allow sufficient time to gather site plans, ownership documentation, vendor and contractor information, and any required supporting permits. After your submission is received, the staff will follow up regarding fees and next steps.

When a Temporary Use Permit Is Required

A Temporary Use Permit is required for assemblages of more than 49 people when the activity is conducted in a manner inconsistent with the site’s normal property use. Review may also be triggered when your event includes temporary tents, generators, mobile vending units, stages, scaffolding, light towers, inflatables, fireworks, pyrotechnics, or open-flame activities. Temporary use permits are only available for nonresidentially zoned properties and are limited to 180 days per calendar year.

Minimum Requirements to Submit

A complete application should include the appropriate form or forms, a site plan showing the proposed temporary uses, proof of property ownership or lease or a letter of permission from the owner, and a list of contractors and food or beverage vendors involved in the event. Every event must also include an Emergency Action Plan.

Emergency Action Plan Requirement

Your application must include an Emergency Action Plan. This plan identifies potential emergency conditions at the event site and outlines procedures for notification, warning, evacuation, and response. It also helps determine medical staffing and emergency access needs. The Asheville Fire Department reviews the plan and has final authority over medical and fire emergency support requirements tied to the event.

Site Plans

A site plan is required with each Temporary Use Application and should show the location of all temporary additions in relation to the property’s existing infrastructure. Clearly identify items such as tents, stages, inflatables, generators, temporary power, portable restrooms, fencing, barricades, mobile vendors, open-flame activities, fire lanes, hydrants, driveway access, and points of egress. If your event is fenced or gated, the site plan must be precise enough to show all exit points and related measurements.

Site Plan Details and Property Layout

Your site plan should identify property boundaries, adjacent streets, access roads, parking layout, existing structures, and the proposed locations of temporary structures and activities. Distances and dimensions should be labeled. Temporary uses may encroach into required building setbacks, but they may not be located in required buffers, street tree planting strips, or landscaped areas. Sales must be conducted at least ten feet from public rights-of-way.

Additional Permit Types

Depending on your event, you may need more than one permit. In addition to a Temporary Use Permit, you may need separate permits or approvals for operational fire review, electrical work, fire performance or demonstration, sound exceedance, and fireworks or pyrotechnics. Review these early so you have time to prepare the required materials.

Electrical, Fire, and Safety-Sensitive Submittals

Electrical permits are generally required for temporary electrical work or power installations beyond what already exists on-site, including generators and temporary power poles. An operational fire review is required for activities such as portable grills, open-flame cooking, candlelit displays, vigils, and certain propane-heater uses. Fire performances and demonstrations must be permitted directly to the individual or organization conducting them, and fireworks or pyrotechnics follow a separate City-County process with a longer lead time.

Food and Beverage-Related Submittals

If your event includes food or beverage service, you may need outside permits in addition to City review. Temporary tent food vendors generally require Temporary Food Establishment permits through Buncombe County Environmental Health. Mobile food trucks and pushcarts must maintain operational permits, and open-flame food preparation must be authorized through an Operational Fire Permit secured by the event organizer. If alcohol will be sold and the site is not already licensed for alcohol service, you must obtain the appropriate North Carolina ABC approval.

Transportation, Parking, and Community Impact

Events on private property can still affect nearby streets, parking areas, businesses, and neighborhoods. Plan for how attendees will arrive and depart safely, including ADA access. If your site does not have sufficient onsite parking, you must complete the City’s Transportation Planning Form. You may also be asked to conduct neighborhood outreach or implement other mitigation measures.

Sound Exceedance Applications

A Sound Exceedance Permit is required only when your event exceeds the applicable decibel limits and affects nearby residential neighbors. These permits cannot be issued for property in residential or industrial districts. Sound exceedance permits have annual categories, time limits, and maximum sound levels, so events involving amplified sound should be reviewed early.

Fees, Amendments, and Multiple Events

Temporary Use Permit fees are based on peak attendance levels. Separate fees may also apply for amendments, operational fire reviews, electrical permits, fire performances, fireworks, and sound-exceedance permits. All charges are subject to a 4% technology fee. Additional fire inspection fees may apply for repeat events held within six months when the conditions remain the same, and all events were included in the original application. All fees payable to the City of Asheville must be paid before permits will be issued. Find the full City fee schedule for special events in the Private Property Outdoor Special Event Guide.

One Address Per Application

A Temporary Use Permit Application is limited to one property address. Submit a separate application for each address seeking approval for a temporary use. Also note that submitting an application does not mean the event is approved or guaranteed to qualify, so do not publicize the event until permits have been issued.

Indoor Areas and Fire Inspection

If indoor areas are included in your event, an up-to-date fire inspection is required before permit approval. Plan ahead to schedule that inspection and resolve any identified hazards, such as blocked exits, missing occupancy postings, or incomplete compliance with fire safety systems.

Forms and Resources

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