Q: Do performers need a permit?
A: No. A permit is not required to participate in street performances under the City’s Live Arts in Public Spaces ordinance. Performers may engage in busking activities in accordance with City guidelines, applicable laws, and public safety requirements.
Q: Who can perform?
A: Individuals and groups of all ages may participate in street performances throughout Salisbury. The City welcomes a variety of artistic expressions, provided performers follow the requirements outlined in the ordinance.
Youth performers are permitted to participate; however, any performer 16 years of age or younger must be accompanied on-site by a parent or legal guardian.
Q: Are there age requirements for performers?
A: Yes. Performers of all ages are welcome to participate.
Any performer 16 years of age or younger must have a parent or legal guardian present while performing. Youth performers must follow all applicable safety, accessibility, and conduct requirements.
Q: Where can performances happen?
A: Performances may take place in public spaces throughout Salisbury, including:
Downtown Salisbury sidewalks and pedestrian areas
City Park and other City-owned parks and plazas
The Riverwalk and designated pedestrian corridors
Other public spaces that are open and accessible to the public
Performers must ensure public spaces remain accessible and cannot block pedestrian pathways, entrances, ADA ramps, crosswalks, fire lanes, loading zones, or driveways.
Q: Can performers set up anywhere they want?
A: Performers may use available public spaces that comply with the City’s safety and accessibility requirements.
Performers must maintain a minimum of six (6) feet of unobstructed pedestrian passage at all times and position themselves in a way that does not interfere with vehicle traffic or pedestrian movement.
Q: How long can performers stay in one location?
A: Performers may occupy one performance area for no more than 120 consecutive minutes (two hours).
After completing a performance, performers must relocate to another performance area at least 100 feet away from their previous location.
Performers may return to a previously used location later in the same day as long as they again meet the required time and distance guidelines.
Q: Do performers need to maintain distance from other performers?
A: Yes. Active performers or performance groups must maintain a minimum distance of 100 feet from other active performers or performance groups.
This spacing requirement helps:
- Maintain clear pedestrian pathways
- Reduce excessive noise overlap
- Allow each performer an opportunity to be heard and seen
Performers may collaborate or perform together by mutual agreement.
Q: Can performers use amplification?
A: Yes. Performers may use amplification as long as sound levels remain compliant with City noise standards and do not unreasonably disturb nearby businesses, residents, or public activities.
The City may request a reduction in volume or cessation of amplified sound if necessary.
Q: Are tips or donations allowed?
A: Yes. Performers may accept voluntary tips or donations from the public.
Tips must be offered freely and without verbal or physical solicitation. Performers may use:
- Open instrument cases
- Hats
- Similar receptacles for donations
Small, unobtrusive signs and QR codes for electronic payments are permitted, provided they are not used to actively solicit donations.
Q: Can performers sell merchandise?
A: No. The sale of merchandise, recordings, artwork, or other goods is not permitted unless separately authorized through an applicable vendor permit or approval process.
Q: What types of performances are allowed?
A: Salisbury Street Performers welcomes a wide range of live artistic expression, including:
- Live music and acoustic performances
- Singing and vocal performances
- Dance and movement performances
- Magic and illusion acts
- Juggling and circus-style performances
- Mime and theatrical performances
- Poetry and spoken word performances
- Other forms of live entertainment that do not create safety concerns
Q: What performances are prohibited?
A: The following activities are not permitted:
- Fire, flame effects, fireworks, or pyrotechnics
- Weapons, knives, or sharp-object performances
- Hazardous materials or dangerous stunts
- Performances involving live animals
- Explicit, obscene, or sexually inappropriate content
- Any activity that creates a safety hazard or prevents public access
Q: Can performers participate during festivals, parades, or special events?
A: Special events, festivals, and parades may have additional requirements.
Performances within the footprint of a City-sanctioned festival, parade, or special event are not permitted unless specifically authorized by the City or event organizers.
Approved events may include additional conditions related to performance locations, hours, amplification, or safety requirements.
Q: What are the permitted hours for street performances?
A: Street performances are permitted daily between:
7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
Exceptions may be authorized for approved festivals, parades, or special events.
Q: Why does the City have guidelines for street performances?
A: The City’s goal is to support artistic expression while ensuring public spaces remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.
The guidelines create a shared environment where performers can showcase their talents while residents, visitors, businesses, and other performers can continue to safely use public spaces.
Q: What happens if there is a concern or complaint?
A: Concerns regarding street performances may be directed to the Salisbury Police Department.
When possible, the City will prioritize education and communication to help performers understand and comply with the guidelines. Violations may be addressed through the enforcement procedures established by the City.