Burlington, WI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Adopted January 8, 1994 (Ord. No. 1460(29)) and amended most recently December 5, 2023, § 100-5 defines a "special event" as any planned extraordinary occurrence on the public right-of-way or public premises, including but not limited to parades, processions, bicycle or foot races, and festivals. No one may hold such an event without a permit, and applicants must first contact the Police Department and the Department of Public Works to review the event and determine costs before submitting the application to the Chamber of Commerce, doing business as Experience Burlington.

Any special event featuring a race, ride or parade must submit a detailed route map for Police and Public Works approval, and that requirement applies every year even for long-running annual events; the two departments may alter a proposed route at their discretion. If organizers deviate from an approved route without City approval, § 100-5B(1) bars them from receiving a permit for any special event the following calendar year. The Police Department, Fire Department, Health Department, Building Inspection, City Clerk and Public Works all review the application, and the Common Council may separately review and approve a permit at its sole discretion.

Fees are billed per man-hour of City services and are waived for school civic events, veterans' organizations, City-sponsored events, and demonstrations of public sentiment. Insurance of at least $1,000,000 combined single limit is required for events needing City services.