Running a vendor market in Newport News.

Special Event Permit (streets, sidewalks and public right-of-way) (City of Newport News Permit Office): Organizers apply online with a signed checklist, a sketch of the event area, and general liability insurance that names the city as additional insured. Additional labor, equipment and services fees may apply depending on the event's type and size. Park, shelter and event reservations (Newport News Parks, Recreation and Tourism): Reservations start with an inquiry to Parks and Recreation (757-926-1400) or its online reservation page. The page states no fees, lead times or insurance rules, and the department's vendor page sends event vendors to a separate application.

Business license tax (BPOL) (Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue (Business License Department)): New businesses apply before starting and pay within 30 days of starting, with tax usually based on gross receipts; the Business Classification Information form determines the rate. Licenses expire at year-end and renew by March 1, and other state or city permits such as a health permit may be needed first.

Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50) (Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax)): The vendor collects sales tax at the rate of the locality where the event is held and files the ST-50 with payment by the 20th of the month after the event. The form lists a 5.3% general rate and 6% in the Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and Central Virginia regions. Permanent sales tax account for frequent event sellers (Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax)): Virginia Tax says vendors at more than three events a year must register a sales tax account, and seasonal sellers can register as a seasonal business so they file only for the months they sell. Registration is done online through Virginia Tax's business registration page. For organizers: Virginia Tax's rule for fairs and flea markets says the Department may authorize a sponsor or operator to remit the tax collected by the vendors at the event; an operator who wants that arrangement must apply to the Department in writing. The rule does not require a vendor list. A 1992 Tax Commissioner ruling also describes an organizer obtaining a single temporary registration covering all sellers at the event, which is optional.

Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit (Virginia Department of Health, Hampton & Peninsula Health Districts (serves Newport News)): VDH issues the permit through the local health department where the booth operates, after a pre-operational inspection. Event coordinators can file an Event Coordinator Application telling the health department the dates, number of food vendors and water and wastewater arrangements.

Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50): Return due on or before the 20th of the month following the show Temporary Food Establishment (TFE) permit: Application and fee at least ten calendar days before the TFE operates (state page); the district page says at least 10 business days Special Event Permit (streets, sidewalks and public right-of-way): Not less than 30 days before a limited event and not less than 90 days before an expanded event; no application accepted more than 180 days before the event