Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
Special Events and Structures

From major conventions and international sporting events to community-based festivals, parades and athletic activities, the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are proud to host nationally recognized events each year.

It is our goal to enhance the vitality, quality of life, and economic prosperity of Mecklenburg County along with the Towns of Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Matthews, Mint Hill and Pineville.

The following information has been developed to guide you through the Special Event Permit Process and to provide you with the guidelines and requirements associated with special event management within the Mecklenburg County. Please complete the application and submit to CTAC@mecklenburgcountync.gov.

Special Events Application

Step by Step process

Special Events and Structures may require permitting and inspection to insure compliance with the NC State Building Codes. Main areas of Code consideration are NC Building Code Section 3103; NC State Electrical Code Chapters 1 through 4 and Articles 518, 520, 525, 640; NC State Plumbing Code Chapter 3 Section 301.3 for connections to the sanitary sewer system and Section 301.4 for connections to a permanent water supply and Chapter 4. We suggest that the event team review these and other applicable requirements with their professional team for planning, permitting and inspections requirements. Please contact us as early as possible to assist you in having a successful event.

When permits pertaining to the NC Building Code are required, to obtain a permit the company or individual may need a Surety Bond and an account set up with Mecklenburg County. The Land Use Bond Form or Land Use Cash Bond Form is obtainable from our website www.meckpermit.com under forms. An address is required for the project(s) at each site location to identify the location of that particular equipment or temporary structure. Temporary address may be established for locations in the public right of way through our GIS/Addressing business unit.

Depending on the nature of the work some type of a North Carolina Contractor's license may be required by the individual or company acquiring a permit.  Any work performed in the electrical, mechanical, or plumbing areas will require those respective licenses. When the project involves the construction of temporary structures (other than tents) larger than 120 square feet, a building permit is required. When the total project value is equal to or exceeds $30,000.00 and involves a temporary building, a NC licensed general contractor is required to permit and manage the overall project.

If your Special Event has any of the following, we would recommend you consult with our office to verify if permits may be required:

• Closing of a street
• Blocking or restriction of public property
• Sale of merchandise, food or beverage
• Erection of a tent 400 square feet or larger
• Installation of a stage, band shell, trailer, van, portable building or toilet, grand stand, or bleacher for public use
• Placement of a temporary building over 120 square feet
• Using an electrical power source from either private propriety, public and or by a generator

If you have any further questions please feel free to call our Commercial Technical Assistance center (CTAC) at 704-336-3829 or email CTAC@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov.

Do you plan to have food vendors or serve and prepare food at your Special Event? If so please review the information here. This link is to the forms and applications associated with preparation and distribution of food.

Thank you for contributing to the spirit and vitality of our community through the presentation of your event in Mecklenburg County.