What does it take to shut down a street in Charlotte?

Nothing makes an event feel more extravagant than when it requires a street closure. Case in point: The 2016 Culture Feast, when Tryon Street was shut down between 6th and 7th streets to make way for two banquet tables, a stage and a dance floor.

As it turns out, you don’t have to be the Arts & Science Council or even a marathon planning committee to shut down a city street.

You just have to apply.

Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT) sees the most requests for event permits that utilize the right of way in city streets during the spring and fall, said Judy Dellert-O’Keef, CDOT Community Engagement Manager. That could mean shutting down lanes of streets, or blocking off entire portions of streets.

The department receives more than 150 applications a year for parades, which include events such as 5K runs, and about 20 for festivals.

Applications are approved on a case-by-case basis, with CDOT ensuring that the events have some sort of public benefit, such as cultural significance or charitable purpose, said Dave Christopher, CDOT’s Parades and Run/Walk Events Permit Official. Prime examples are Speed Street, Taste of Charlotte and Charlotte Pride.

If an application is denied, it’s typically because of a conflict, such as two events that would impact the same route in the same day.

Here’s what it takes to get your event into the Charlotte streets:

Submitting an application for a Public Assembly Permit

In most cases, this needs to be submitted at least 30 days before your event and will be reviewed by the Permit Official, plus the City’s Special Events Planning Committee. The five-page digital application covers details such as purpose of the event, estimated number of participants, and private property and parking lot locations.

Covering application fees

To close city streets with a Festival Permit, you will pay at least $350. This is the rate for closing streets for less than 24 hours. These fees are based on amount of time spent on processing applications, Christopher said.

Meanwhile, application fees for a Parade Permit (such as for a 5K) can be as low as $75 if fewer than 1,000 participants are involved.

Obtaining insurance

Event organizers are responsible for obtaining commercial general liability insurance. If you are getting an ABC license for the event, you also need to acquire liquor liability insurance.

Paying for any further costs

Once an application for the event is approved, the organizers are notified about further requirements, which largely depend on the size of the event. This list could include police services to monitor the road closures, medic teams to be onsite, solid waste services for litter and more, and Porta-Jon vendors. Naturally, these additional services incur costs.

Meeting with CDOT representatives

For new events especially, CDOT staff may ask to meet with the event organizers prior to the event to solidify details.

That’s it! The street is yours. At least for a little while.

Photo: Katie Toussaint

This story was originally published March 29, 2017 at 12:00 AM with the headline "What does it take to shut down a street in Charlotte?."