Special Events & Permits in Bloomington, IN (2026)
3 verified special events & permits rules for Bloomington, Indiana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Parade Permits
In the City of Bloomington, no parade may march or proceed along any street without a permit from the chief of police under Bloomington Municipal Code § 15.60.070. An application must be filed with the chief at least fourteen days before the parade date, and the chief must act on it within five days.
Bloomington parade permit from police chief
Significant RestrictionsBloomington Municipal Code § 15.60.070
15.60.070 - Permit required. No parade except the forces of the United States Army or Navy, the military forces of this state, and forces of the police and fire department, shall occupy, march or proceed along any street, except in accordance with a permit issued by the chief of police and such other regulations as are set forth in this title which may apply. An application for a parade permit ...
Street Fair Rules
A street fair or festival in the City of Bloomington is a Special Event under the Unified Development Ordinance, and Section 20.03.030(h)(7) caps it at fifteen days and one permit per property per calendar year. The same chapter's general temporary-use rules require a Temporary Use Permit for any temporary structure over one hundred forty-four square feet and cap unpermitted event signage at a single sixteen-square-foot banner.
Bloomington Street Fair and Special Event Permits
Significant RestrictionsBloomington Municipal Code § 20.03.030(h)(1)(A),(D), (h)(7)(A)
(1)Generally.(A)Permit Required. All temporary uses and temporary structures larger than one hundred forty-four square feet shall require a Temporary Use Permit pursuant to Section 20.06.050(k) (Temporary Use Permit), unless otherwise specified in this UDO. Uses not specifically authorized in Table 03-1: Allowed Use Table, shall be prohibited. ( ... D)Signs. ... Temporary uses shall be permitte...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
In the City of Bloomington, a restaurant or retailer cannot put tables or merchandise on the public sidewalk without an encroachment permit from the engineering department and final authorization from the board of public works. Applications cost one hundred dollars, run sixty to ninety days ahead of the start date, and must leave a clear path at least fifty-four inches wide.
Bloomington Sidewalk Seating Encroachment Permit
Significant RestrictionsBloomington Municipal Code §§ 12.06.040, 12.06.090
No business may encroach onto the public right-of-way for purposes of seating or merchandising without a permit granted through the provisions of this chapter. Encroachment for these purposes without a valid permit is a violation of the provisions of this chapter subject to authorized remedies and penalties described later in the chapter. Applications for encroachment shall be submitted to the ...