Special Events & Permits in Taunton, MA

If you live in Taunton or are thinking about moving there, special events & permits are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Taunton has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of special events & permits, and some of them might surprise you.

Parade Permits

Taunton makes it unlawful to use any street, roadway or sidewalk for a parade, rally, demonstration, speech or public entertainment without a Chief of Police permit. Applications must be filed at least 30 days ahead, and no permit issues until the applicant posts proof of insurance and bond naming the City.

Key details: Permitting official: Chief of Police. Application deadline: 30 days before the event. Required before issuance: insurance naming the City, plus bond. Commercial use: prohibited unless separately ordained. Council appeal window: 5 days from denial.

Using a street, roadway or sidewalk for a parade, rally, demonstration, speech or public entertainment without first obtaining the Chief of Police's permit is unlawful under Section 383-26. A permit can also be revoked after the fact if the applicant misstated a material fact or the actual event materially varies from what was represented, or if public safety requires it during a disaster or emergency.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Taunton actively enforces its parade permits requirements.

Sidewalk Dining & Cafés

Taunton requires a license from the Board of License Commissioners before any business sells food or drinks on a City street or sidewalk. Applicants submit three sets of cafe plans with a $100 nonrefundable fee, keep at least half the sidewalk open for pedestrians, and use only nonglass tableware. Licenses run for a five-month season and outdoor service must stop by 8:30 p.m.

Key details: License fee: $100 nonrefundable. Licensing season: May through September (5 months). Closing time: 8:30 p.m. without special permit. Sidewalk clearance: At least half width for pedestrians. Fine: $300 per conviction.

Section 258-10 requires the Board of License Commissioners to give written notice of a violation, and the licensee has 24 hours to correct it. Failing to comply within that window lets the Board revoke the license outright. Separately, Section 258-11 makes any violation of the sidewalk cafe article punishable by a straight $300 fine upon conviction, on top of any license action the Board takes.

The Bottom Line

Taunton's special events & permits rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Taunton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Taunton's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.