CITY OF ASHEVILLE NOTIFICATION OF NON-PERMITTED FREE SPEECH PUBLIC ASSEMBLY

The City of Asheville supports and respects an individual’s constitutional right to exercise free speech in a peaceful manner. In order to maintain the safety of everyone in our community, we would like to remind everyone that causing harm or injury to persons or property, blocking streets and intersections, and trespassing are illegal offenses and can result in arrest. The Asheville Police Department will stand by for anyone that may need assistance.

Asheville upholds First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly, but additional components such as the selling of merchandise, food, and entertainment may appear more reflective of a special event or festival. City services including road closures, reservation of space, allowances for sales, vending, commercial solicitation, use of city utilities, generators, tents, structures, and other special-use components are unavailable to non-permitted events.

Please use the following format to share details with us of your activity so City staff can be best prepared. You will receive confirmation of receipt.

Title *

Today's date

Location Details *

Date of Event * +

Purpose/Description *

Estimated Attendance *

Are you aware of any threats or counter-protests? (If so, please explain.) *

Please attach any supporting documentation.

Contact information

First Name *

Last Name *

Organization (if applicable)

Street Address *

Address Line 2

City *

State *

Zip Code *

Phone Number *

Email Address *

Related Statutes, Codes & Ordinances

Demonstrations, parades, and marches, unless permitted otherwise, are prohibited to block streets or intersections, or obstruct the flow of traffic (NCGS § 14-277.2) (Code 1965, § 25-4). Demonstrators are asked to stay on the sidewalks and abide by all traffic rules.
North Carolina law allows individuals to open carry, however, there is an exception in the law that prohibits the possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons at parades or demonstrations on public property. (NCGS § 14-277.2) (Ord. No. 2299, § 2, 6-25-96)
Entering private property without the property owner’s permission, or remaining on private property after the property owner requests that you leave, is trespassing (NCGS § 14-159.11-13).

No picketing, parading or use of any sound truck or similar device is allowed within 300 ft. of the courthouse. (NCGS § 14-225.1)

For more information, please visit the Office of Special Events at www.ashevillenc.gov/specialevents or call us at 828-259-5738.