Richmond County Sheriff's Office

Phone: 706-821-1000 911 for Emergencies

PERMITS AND APPLICATIONS

Special Event Permitting & Public Safety

Overview:

The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is committed to supporting community events that bring residents together. To ensure these gatherings are conducted safely, certain activities require a Special Event Permit. This process allows our agency to evaluate public safety needs, coordinate traffic control, and protect the general welfare of all participants and residents.

Objective:

Our primary goal is to protect public safety, ensure compliance with local and state laws, and minimize risks to vulnerable populations while maintaining order in public spaces.

When a Permit Is Required

According to Augusta-Richmond County, GA Code of Ordinances Sec. 3-4-11 , no person or private entity shall engage in the following activities on public property without first obtaining a permit from the Sheriff. The Sheriff’s Office does not charge a fee for the permit however there may be other fees associated with your event.

  • Large Gatherings: Any public assembly, march, parade, demonstration, or event (fixed or processional) involving fifty (50) or more attendees.
  • b Food distribution, clothing/goods giveaways, and rallies held in public spaces.
  • Property Use: Any activity utilizing Augusta-Richmond County parks, buildings, structures, or athletic fields, where prior approval is not granted by the governing authority.
  • Structures: Erecting any temporary stage, tower, platform, or stand on public property.
  • Traffic Impact: Any activity with the intent or likelihood of obstructing motor vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
  • Amplified Sound: Creating or emitting electronically amplified sound (excluding personal devices used at a reasonable volume).

If you are unsure whether your event requires a permit, please contact the Sheriff’s Office for
guidance.

Contact Information

Sheriff’s Office Compliance Coordinator
Phone: (706) 821-4822
Email: rcso_permits@augustaga.gov
Office Address: 400 Walton Way Augusta, GA 30901
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Application Deadlines

To allow adequate planning time, applications should be submitted within 45 days of the event

Late applications may not be approved.

Application Process

1. Submit Application

Event organizers must submit a Special Event Permit Application prior to the event.
Event organizers can submit a Special Event Permit application by:

2. Review

Sheriff’s Office personnel will review the application to determine:

  • Traffic control needs
  • Crowd management requirements
  • Security planning
  • Emergency response considerations

3. Approval

Once the review is complete, the permit will either be approved, approved with conditions, or denied.

Law Enforcement Services

Depending on the nature of the event, the Sheriff’s Office will require deputies for:

  • Traffic control
  • Crowd management
  • Road closures
  • Security and safety monitoring

Additional Guidelines

Event organizers are responsible for ensuring compliance with all:

  • County ordinances
  • State laws
  • Noise regulations
  • Alcohol licensing requirements
  • Public safety regulations

Failure to comply with permit conditions may result in revocation of the permit or cancellation
of the event.

 

 

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

Augusta-Richmond County, GA Sec. 1-3-44 prohibits drone operations in highly populated areas within Richmond County (except cities of Hephzibah and Blythe) without written authorization from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Permit Application

The purpose of this UAS application request is to obtain authorization to conduct lawful unmanned aircraft operations in support of aerial observation, situational awareness, site assessment, and operational documentation while maintaining compliance with all applicable FAA regulations and safety requirements. Richmond County (Augusta).

Click here to apply for a permit.