Virginia Law

A. All activities shall be performed in compliance with this chapter, as well as any federal or Virginia laws. Unlawful activity is prohibited.

B. At no time shall any entrance or exit of any building be obstructed in such a way as to impede free access to or from the building by its occupants or the public.

C. No banners, flags, posters, or other objects shall be placed on or affixed to Capitol Square grounds or structures.

D. All event items and materials are to be removed upon conclusion of the event. All areas must be returned to their pre-event condition.

E. Props, equipment, and other moveable materials that do not require power to be used in connection with the event are allowed provided that prior notice is given on the application and the size, location, and structure of the items conforms to the reasonable conditions, limitations, and restrictions provided for by the department. The permittee shall bear all risk related to the use of any such props, equipment, and other moveable materials.

F. The department reserves the right at all times to immediately remove or cause to be removed any and all items of display it determines would damage government property, inhibit movement, or raise safety issues of the government property, attendees, or the public.

G. Items or props used for the event may not impede normal business operations or create safety concerns.

H. Due to the presence of underground utilities, irrigation, and other lines, nothing shall be driven into the ground or placed on the grounds anywhere without the location and method of placement approved in advance and in writing by the department.

I. Temporary structures of any kind may not be erected on Capitol Square. This includes tents, cabanas, canopies, stages, and all other types of covered or enclosed structures, as well as tables, stages, projectors, screens, or other structures.

J. The director reserves the right to require that special facilities, such as portable toilet facilities, be provided at the permittee's expense.

K. Sound amplification is permitted; however, the sound must not disrupt the orderly business of government bodies and agencies located on Capitol Square or unreasonably disturb other persons who are visiting Capitol Square. For events with fewer than 1,000 attendees, the department, at permittee's request, will provide a microphone, podium, and speaker for use during the event. All other electric sound amplification equipment is prohibited for events with fewer than 1,000 attendees. For events with more than 1,000 attendees, the department will consider the use of amplification equipment provided by the permittee. If the department approves use of amplification equipment provided by the permittee, the department will supply power.

The permittee shall bear all risk related to the use of any such amplification equipment provided by the permittee.

L. Use of sound systems will be discontinued after the permitted event time limit expires.

M. If the permittee desires to use available department-provided sound amplification equipment, the equipment will be set up by department staff and this setup will not be moved or altered by the permittee or other event attendees without the express permission of the department.

N. Activities that create loud or unusual noise or are disruptive to the performance of official duties or delivery of services may be denied, ceased, or interrupted by the department or Capitol Police.

O. Permittees shall not offer any item for sale, solicit money or items of value, or display any form of advertising on Capitol Square.

P. Marches may be permitted into and out of Capitol Square provided the march does not disrupt the orderly business of government or impede the access by others visiting the grounds or buildings of Capitol Square.