Park Use Permits

The following activities require a Park Authority Permit:

Any person or organization desiring to sponsor or arrange a public gathering of more than 75 persons upon property, or 25 persons upon trails, owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

Any person or organization planning or conducting an Organized Activity in any Natural Area on property owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

A "public gathering", such as a demonstration, picketing, speech making, vigils, parades, ceremonies, meetings, rallies, entertainment, games, shows, concerts, picnics and all other forms of public assembly.

• The Park Authority offers several locations where picnic areas, shelters, or amphitheaters can be reserved. For more information about scheduling one of these locations please see the Picnic Area section of our site. If the park you wish to use for your picnic is NOT at one of our "reservable" sites, please download and complete the Park Use Permit application linked below.

Any person or organization selling items or collecting monies (to include donations) while on property owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

• A Business Activity fee of 15% of the gross revenue or $50, whichever is greater will be charged. A Business Activity fee deposit of $50 is due at the time of application.
• All vendors are responsible for collecting and payment of applicable state sales tax.
• All food vendors are responsible for contacting the Fairfax County Health Department (703-246-2444) to arrange for permits and inspections.

Any person or organization conducting class(es), camp(s), or other activities where the participants pay a fee to participate in the activity upon property owned or operated by the Fairfax County Park Authority.

• A Business Activity fee of 15% of the gross revenue or $50, which ever is greater will be charged. A Business Activity fee deposit of $50 is due at the time of application.
• A current certificate of General Liability insurance coverage listing the ‘Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Park Authority and its officers, employees, and volunteers’ as "additional insured" on the policy will be required.

Any person or organization using features such as a moon bounce, dunk tank, carnival rides, or pony rides, etc. regardless of the size of the group.

All facility rental fees will apply (for more information please call 703-324-8516).

• ALL VENDORSare responsible for collecting and payment of applicable state sales tax. Commissions are based on gross sales before sales taxes or other expenses.
• FOOD VENDORS are responsible for contacting the Fairfax County Health Department, at 703-246-2444, to arrange for permits and inspections.
• AMUSEMENT FEATURES such as moon bounces, carnival rides, etc., require special permission from the Park Authority and in general are not allowed at Park Authority sites. If approved however, the amusement feature must also have a current permit from the Department of Environmental Management, 703-222-0801.
• TENTS:
  • 1) Use of a tent larger than 900 square feet and/or will have an occupancy of greater than 50 persons during their event requires a permit from the Fairfax County Fire Marshall's office, 703-246-2126, Plans Review Branch, 3rd Floor, 4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA 22030.
  • 2) Also required is a Building Permit, and if the tent has electrical service, an Electrical Permit. Both of these permits can be obtained from the Department of Public Works, Environmental Services, 2nd Floor, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035, 703-324-1555.
• RAFFLES or BINGO is limited to non-profit groups. Non-profit groups wishing to hold a raffle or bingo game must contact the commonwealth of Virginia Charitable Gaming Commission, 804-786-1681 to obtain information about obtaining a permit.

General Information:

Alcoholic Beverages Are Prohibited.

An approved Fairfax County Park Authority permit only reserves that portion of the park as indicated on the specific permit.

Non-reserved areas are and facilities are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The park must remain open for use by the general public.

All park regulations and policies must be adhered to. More information can be obtained regarding park regulations in the Appendix 7 of the Fairfax County Park Authority Policy Manual.

Permits will be issued to an adult who will be responsible for both the supervision of the entire event, and any damage to park property, or injury to any party which results from inadequate supervision or carelessness.

All decorations and signage must receive prior approval.

Site must be vacated by the time specified on the permit.

Entrance fees for Non-County Residents apply at Burke Lake Park on weekends and holidays from the end of April through the end of September.

The Fairfax County Park Authority does not provide security for the activity. Large events may require police attendance, at the sponsoring group’s expense.

Parking must be restricted to defined parking lots.

Download the Park Use Permit Application (PDF)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print this file.

Application Process:

Application for a Fairfax County Park Authority Permit must be submitted no less than thirty (30) working days prior to the event.

Applications for events that are large in size, and/or include the use of amplified sound systems must be submitted at least of forty –five (45) working days prior to the event date.

Fee:

• Business Activity Fee deposit of $50 Fee must be paid at time application is submitted. $25 Application fee is not applicable to Business Activity applications.
• Application Fee of $25 must be paid at time application is submitted.
• Fee is non-refundable unless the event request is denied.
• Applications that do not include the applicable fee(s) will not be processed.

Questions about permits should be can be directed to (703) 324-8516.

Completed Applications should be sent to:

• FCPA - Park Services Division – Central Services Coordinator
  12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 927
  Fairfax, VA 22035
• Or fax to 703-631-2004