SevenVenues Event Permits

SevenVenues Event Permit Process

For events overseen by SevenVenues, our bureau serves as a resource to assist event organizers during event planning and will coordinate the collaborative involvement of City departments to provide services and support for your event. We specialize in coordinating events that require advanced logistics and in combined properties.

The SevenVenues permit process begins with your event planning and when you submit a complete permit application. Acceptance of your permit application or the initiation of the review process does not deem your permit application to be complete, nor should submission of an application be construed as final approval of your request. 

1. Information Gathering

First, identify the location you would like your event to take place and verify the property is owned by the City of Norfolk.  Email sevenvenues@norfolk.gov with any questions.  If your location is a Community Park or NPS property, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation. 

If the property is not owned by the City of Norfolk, reach out directly to the property owners for permission to host your event.

If the property is not owned by the City of Norfolk, identify the owner and follow these steps:

Unsure? Or private property Use Norfolk Air to find the name/organization of the property owner. Call the Planning Department at (757) 664-4752
Federal Government Contact the facility you want to have your event at
Norfolk Public Schools (NPS) or SECEP Exterior Grounds Contact the facility you want to have your events at and request an NPS Facility Lease form . Events before 6p on weekdays are permitted by NPS directly 
NPS or SECEP Exterior Grounds Contact Parks and Recreation
NPS or SECEP Exterior Grounds Contact Parks and Recreation
Norfolk Re-development and Housing Authority (NRHA) property Call NRHA Real Estate at (757) 314-4210

After you identify the location and the correct paperwork, take some time to read through the application and its guidelines. Incomplete applications will not be processed so you must have your entire event planned out. For instance, if you are planning a birthday party, will there be inflatables? Will your run/walk event include a block party? Are you planning a candlelight vigil? It is important to communicate the grand vision of your event and its minute details on the event permit application.

2. Completing Your Applications

You have confirmed you need to complete a SevenVenues Event Permit. Next, complete the appropriate event permit application and sign the permit agreement. Incomplete applications will not be processed. As a guideline when completing event permit paperwork, always overestimate your needs. It is much simpler to receive permission and scale down the event, as needed.

A complete application, submitted by the deadline, includes the following:

  • Complete Layout
  • Complete Permit Application
  • Application Fee Payment
  • Supplemental Documents

3. Application Under Review

The permit process begins when you receive confirmation that your application has been forwarded to your Event Coordinator. Acceptance of your complete application or the initiation of the review process does not deem your permit application to be complete, nor should submission of an application be construed as final approval of your request. The application is circulated to City departments for review, comment and initial approval. Initial approval is conditional approval to hold the date, time and location requested on the application. Acceptance of your permit application is not approval of your request and making updates to the processed application will delay your permit. A meeting may be scheduled with necessary City Departments to further discuss the event.

4. Initial Approval

Once the event receives initial approval by the City, you will receive verbal or written confirmation on your event date and location from your Event Coordinator. This approval will allow you to begin marketing or advertising the event. Marketing or advertising of an event may not take place prior to this approval.

If the requested date, time and location is granted initial approved, a tentative hold will be placed on the time, date and location requested. If the requested location is not available, initial approval will not be granted. SevenVenues will notify you and assist to find an alternate date, time and/or location.

5. Coordinating Logistics

Subsequent meetings will be scheduled as needed to assist with coordination of event logistics. All fees associated with the event must be paid in full 10 business days (2 weeks) prior to the event date. The permit for the event will not be issued until the balance is paid in full.

6. Permit Issuance

The City of Norfolk has the ability to rescind this permit and/or issues a modified permit or supersede the permit's recipient's responsibility. 

Permits are issued 1 to 2 weeks in advance of the event date to accommodate the many changing components of an event. A permit will be issued once all applicable fees and permit requirements have been met. The City will keep you apprised of any issues regarding your application throughout the review process. 

Interested to know more about SevenVenues permits? Review the SevenVenues Open Air Event Permit Guidelines (PDF).