Mass Outdoor Social Gatherings and Noise Ordinances

Social Gatherings

The City of Harrisonburg requires all residents to apply for a permit for a mass outdoor social gathering.

15-3-3 Noise permit for mass outdoor social gathering (updated 2019) [24KB] Word Document     

An application for permit must be submitted 15 days or more prior to the event for gatherings of 100 people or more that will be using sound amplifying equipment. 

Please print and complete the application below and contact the City Manager's Office at 540-432-7701 for delivery instructions.  

Mass outdoor social gathering permit application (updated 2024) [312KB]PDF icon

To register any other social gathering, contact the non-emergency number at 540-434-4436. If complaints are received, the registrant will receive one warning and any additional complaints will result in officers responding. 

 

Noise Ordinance

Large party nuisance - the creation of plainly audible sound that emanates from a gathering of 10 or more people, where the gathering is not completely contained within a structure and is audible across a property line, through partitions, or at a distance of 100 feet. 

This ordinance can be enforced during the day and night. 

Section 15-3-2 - Noise violations (updated 2017) [100MB]PDF icon