Berwyn, IL Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Superintendent of Police, in writing
- Covered places
- Public way, park or playground
- Open air meeting threshold
- Expected participants reasonably assumed to exceed 50
- Application contents
- Route or place, start time, duration, organizer, purpose, headcount
- Appeal of denial
- Mayor and Council, special or regular meeting
- Maximum fine
- $2,000 per violation, each day separate (§ 202.99)
Summary
In the City of Berwyn, Illinois, nobody can hold a parade or an open air meeting on a public way, park or playground without a written permit from the Superintendent of Police. Police investigate the applicant first, and a denied applicant can appeal to the Mayor and Council.
(B) Permit required. No person shall conduct a parade or open air meeting in or on a public way, park or playground, without first obtaining a permit therefor, in writing, from the Superintendent of Police. ... If the findings are that the parade or open air meeting will not be held for any unlawful purpose, will not in any manner tend to be a breach of the peace, will not unnecessarily interfere with the use of a public way or with the peace and quiet of the residents of the city, the Superintendent shall issue the permit. (E) Permit denial; appeals. If the Superintendent of Police denies the issuance of the permit, the applicant has the right to appear before the Mayor and Council at any special or regular meeting and be heard on all aspects of the application. The Mayor and Council may confirm the order of the Superintendent or may overrule the Superintendent and order the issuance of the permit.
Full Breakdown
Section 1020.05 of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances, inside Chapter 1020 on obstructions of streets and sidewalks, requires a written permit from the Superintendent of Police before anyone conducts a parade or open air meeting in or on a public way, park or playground. The code defines an open air meeting as a congregation of citizens held outdoors on public property to hear speakers or discuss a matter of common interest, where the expected turnout can reasonably be assumed to exceed 50. A parade is defined broadly: a parade, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, pageant or procession of any kind, or any similar display, in or on a street, park or other public place in the city. The parade definition carries no headcount.
Every application must state six items: the route of the parade or the place of the meeting, the start time, the duration, the name and address of the person or organization in charge, the purpose, and the approximate number of people involved. The Superintendent or an officer delegated by him or her then investigates the applicant and the truth of the statements about the purpose of the event, and the investigating officer reports the findings to the Superintendent in writing. The permit issues when the findings show the event will not be held for any unlawful purpose, will not tend to breach the peace, and will not unnecessarily interfere with the use of a public way or with the peace and quiet of Berwyn residents.
The police decision is not the last word. An applicant who is denied has the right to appear before the Mayor and Council at any special or regular meeting and be heard on all aspects of the application. The Mayor and Council can confirm the Superintendent's order or overrule it and order the permit issued. The section sets no filing deadline and no permit fee, so the practical first step is to contact the Berwyn Police Department early enough to leave room for the investigation and, if needed, a Council hearing. The section was adopted by ordinance passed 8-9-1982.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 1020 has no separate penalty for this section. Section 1020.99 sends violations to the general penalty in § 202.99: a fine of not more than $2,000 for each violation, with every day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. Prosecution can proceed under Chapter 292 of the Codified Ordinances or before any court with jurisdiction, as the Mayor or Council directs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a parade permit in Berwyn?
Does a small event in a Berwyn park need a permit?
What can I do if the Superintendent of Police denies my application?
What information does the application need?
What is the penalty for holding a parade without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Berwyn
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How other cities in Cook County handle parade permits.