Chicopee, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 243-41 of the Code of the City of Chicopee, Parade permit required, applies to "no person or persons" parading in a public street or square. The permit must be written, must come from the Chief of Police, and must be approved by the Mayor. The 24-hour period is tied to the scheduled parade: the permit is due at least 24 hours before it. The section prints no application fee, no insurance requirement and no minimum group size.

The next two sections finish the scheme. Section 243-42 requires the same written permit, from the Chief of Police approved by the Mayor at least 24 hours before the scheduled gathering, for anyone addressing a public gathering on a public street, square or way, or on any property owned or leased by the City. Section 243-43 gives the Chief of Police the job of designating the route of the parade and the place of the public gathering under those sections, so the route is set by the department, not chosen by the organizer.

Section 243-44 sets enforcement. The Superintendent of Public Works, the Chicopee Police Department, the Building Department, the Health Department and the Fire Department, or their designees, enforce Chapter 243 and can issue citations. Anyone violating the article, except where a different penalty is specially provided, is liable for a fine of $50 and a like penalty for every day the offense is repeated or continued. That section was amended 2-15-2000 by Ord. No. 00-13A and 4-18-2017 by Ord. No. 17-11.

An event that also needs equipment on public ground carries separate requirements. Section 243-26 requires a license from the City Council or the Superintendent of Streets before staging or materials are placed on a public street or sidewalk, and § 243-28 bars any article or thing that interferes with the convenient use of a public way, at a $300 fine.