Which permits does your market need?
Pick your city or county, tell us whether you'll have food, use public space, or set up tents and cooking, and get the permits that apply to you and your vendors, with fees, deadlines and official links. Covers 225 US cities and counties.
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Tell us about your event.
Permits for your market in Hampton, VA.
In Hampton, VA, outdoor events need a City Scale ($50) or Neighborhood Scale ($25) Special Event Permit, submitted 30 to 90 days ahead by attendance. Vendors need a business license from the Commissioner of the Revenue, food vendors pay $40 for a Virginia Department of Health temporary food permit, and vendors register for Virginia sales tax or file form ST-50.
Not shown, based on your answers: food vendors. See everything for Hampton.
Event permit.
Special Event Permit (Neighborhood Scale or City Scale)
Hampton regulates only outdoor events, with a tiered permit based on size and scope and a Special Event Guidebook to complete the application. The city says park shelter rentals do not need a special event permit.
- Who
- Organizer
- From
- City of Hampton Parks & Recreation (Special Event Coordinator, Public Safety)
- When
- Outdoor events only, on public or private property when the city's criteria are met. Neighborhood Scale: 250 or fewer attendees on specifically listed neighborhood lots; street closures, alcohol or mobile vendors push an event to City Scale. City Scale: over 250 attendees or a road closure.
- Fee
- City Scale $50; Neighborhood Scale $25 (free for registered neighborhood organizations)
- Timing
- 90 days before for City Scale events of 500+ attendees or with road closures; 60 days for 251-499 attendees; 30 days for Neighborhood Scale
Vendor and business licenses.
Hampton Business License
A business must obtain a license from the Commissioner of the Revenue before doing business in Hampton, and file and pay before its first day of business. Tax is generally based on gross receipts and varies by category; licenses expire December 31 and renew by March 1. The city also lists a New Temporary Food Vendor Application, which was not read.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- City of Hampton Commissioner of the Revenue
- When
- New businesses before conducting business in Hampton; the page does not describe a temporary event vendor license
Sales tax.
Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50)
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.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax)
- When
- Vendors without a permanent Virginia sales tax account who sell taxable goods at a show, fair or event
- Timing
- Return due on or before the 20th of the month following the show
Permanent sales tax account for frequent event sellers
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.
- Who
- Vendors
- From
- Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax)
- When
- Vendors who sell at events regularly. Virginia Tax's festival-season page says more than 3 events a year; the ST-50 form says 3 or more shows a year
Fairs and flea markets are not "occasional sales" (23VAC10-210-570)
The regulation says sellers at fairs and flea markets must hold a certificate of registration and collect and remit tax, with no distinction between profit and nonprofit vendors, and they cannot use the occasional-sale exemption. It also lets the Department authorize a sponsor or operator to remit the tax for the vendors.
- Who
- Organizer and vendors
- From
- Virginia Department of Taxation (Virginia Tax)
- When
- Anyone selling tangible goods at a fair, flea market, carnival or circus, including nonprofits
What the rules ask of you about vendors.
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. Official page
When to apply.
- Special Event Permit (Neighborhood Scale or City Scale): 90 days before for City Scale events of 500+ attendees or with road closures; 60 days for 251-499 attendees; 30 days for Neighborhood Scale
- Temporary Sales Tax Certificate/Return (Form ST-50): Return due on or before the 20th of the month following the show
Collect your vendors' permits with their applications.
Make the vendor licenses, sales tax registration and food permits above required documents on your application, and check them before you approve anyone.
Check with the office.
This checklist summarizes official government pages read on 2026-10-11. It isn't legal advice; rules, fees and deadlines change. Special events contact: Hampton Special Event Coordinator, 757-727-6640. Full page and sources for Hampton.
Common questions.
What permits do I need to host a vendor market?
Usually an event permit from the city or county, licenses and sales tax registration for vendors, and temporary food permits for anyone selling food. Parks, streets, tents and cooking can add more. Pick your city above to see the exact list.
Do I need a permit for a pop-up market on private property?
It depends on the city. Some only require permits on public property; others, like zoning temporary-use permits, apply anywhere. The checklist shows what each city's official pages say.
How far ahead should I apply for an event permit?
Often 30 to 90 days. The median deadline across 111 places in our study is 45 days, and 43 want 60 or more.
Permits sorted? Run the event on bzar.
Free for organizers: vendor applications with required documents, booth payments, tickets and check-in.