Hilton Head Island
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Welcome to the Town of Hilton Head Island Special Events Planning Guide!
This page is designed to provide you with information about the permits and regulations that may pertain to your special event.
The special event permitting process is designed to insure safe and enjoyable events for participants, spectators and the community. The following requirements apply to all types of events:
Completion of an application does NOT guarantee your event location and/or issuance of a permit for your event.
Select the check boxes applicable to your event and the relevant information you will need to apply for a permit will be displayed.
While the event may not require a special event permit, it may still require other permits (i.e. tent, vendor, etc.).
Check boxes in 'Location' and 'Event Specifics' to view information about regulations and permits necessary for your event.
All outdoor events with more than 250 participants held on public and/or commercial property will require a special event permit.
You must submit an application at least 30 days prior to your event or up to a year in advance.
Special Event Permit Application
All events of this size must submit a Special Event Permit Application.
See Also:
All events held on commercial property are subject to the Town's Special Event Ordinance.
Events held on private residences are exempt from the Special Event Ordinance and do not require a special event permit.
A Special Events application and Traffic Control Plan must be completed and the applications approved for any events requiring a street, lane or pathway closure.
Outdoor events with more than 250 participants require a Special Event Permit and may require a Traffic Control Plan approval.
Special Event Permit Application Checklist
All events involving road or lane closures, including parades, cycling races, rides, marathons, triathlons, decathlons, runs and walks, require a Special Event Permit and Traffic Control Plan approval.
As a general rule, the Town does not issue a permit for picket lines or other forms of public assembly unless the number of participants is expected to be 250 or more at any one time.
For the provision, sale or consumption of alcohol, beer and/or wine during a special event, you must obtain a Special Event ABL License from the SC Department of Revenue.
https://dor.sc.gov/tax/abl/licenses/special-events
A permit to operate amusement rides must be applied for through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
Amusement Ride Permit Application
Fee - $50 per bounce house
Tent / Stage / Bounce House Permit Application
If you will have amplified music or announcements as a part of your event, you must comply with the Town's Noise Ordinance.
An outdoor fireworks display permit must be applied for through the South Carolina State Fire Marshal's office. The application must be approved by Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue.
Outdoor Fireworks Display Permit Application
(Bonfires, Open Flame Cooking, etc.)
If you are planning to have any bonfires or open burning at your event, you must obtain a permit from the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue Department.
If you want to have banners or signs at your event, a sign permit must be obtained from the Town a description along with locations for the signs should be submitted with the special event application for review by the Town's Community Development Department prior to installation.
All vendors must have a Town of Hilton Head Island business license or special event vendor permit to participate at the event.
Business License Application
Submit your Special Event Vendor List
A Stage Permit is required for all stages higher than 30" above the ground.
Fee - $50 per stage * Non-profit organizations are exempt from the fee.
A Tent Permit is required for all tents that meet any of the following criteria:
Fee - $50 per tent * Non-profit organizations are exempt from the fee.
Wedding ceremonies performed on the beach require a permit (free of charge) from the Town of Hilton Head Island.
Submit a Wedding Ceremony on the Beach Request
Questions?
Contact the Town's Special Event Coordinator at EileenB@hiltonheadislandsc.gov or 843-341-4639