Cicero, IL Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Application deadline
- 30 days before the event
- Fine range
- $50 to $750 per offense/day
- Approval authority
- Board of Trustees
- Revocation authority
- Town President, for emergencies
- Excludes
- Block parties, Public Assemblies (separate rules)
Summary
Anyone organizing a parade or other event in Cicero that requires closing a street must get Board of Trustees approval at least 30 days ahead. Sec. 82-38 defines a 'Parade' as any march or procession needing police to stop or reroute traffic, and folds it into the Town's broader Special Event permit process, complete with insurance and indemnification requirements.
Parade means any march, procession or other similar activity consisting of persons, animals, vehicles or things, or any combination thereof, upon any public Street, sidewalk, alley or other public place, which requires a Street closing or otherwise requires police officers to stop or reroute vehicular traffic because the marchers will not comply with normal and usual traffic regulations or controls... (b)Approval of a Special Event. No Person shall conduct, participate in, advertise for or in any way promote, organize, control, manage, solicit or induce participation in a Special Event unless the Sponsor of the Special Event has first had its application for a Special Event approved by the Board of Trustees.(1)A Sponsor shall apply to the Board of Trustees for approval to hold a Special Event. The application shall be filed not less than 30 calendar days prior to the scheduled date of the Special Event, which timeframe may be waived by the Board of Trustees in its reasonable discretion.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 121).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 82-38 defines a Parade as any march, procession or similar activity on a public street, sidewalk, alley or other public place that requires closing the street or having police stop or reroute traffic because marchers won't follow normal traffic rules; a Parade falls within the Code's broader 'Special Event' definition, which also covers festivals, celebrations and concerts that need a street closed, but expressly excludes Town-sponsored events, Public Assemblies under Sec. 82-271 and Block Parties under Sec. 82-15. The event's Sponsor must file an application with the Board of Trustees at least 30 calendar days before the date, listing the Sponsor's contact information, the event's dates and hours, the specific block or intersection to be closed, expected attendance, whether parking will be restricted, whether amplified sound or alcohol sales are planned, proof of insurance, and a security plan; applications are prioritized in the order filed, and the Board evaluates whether the event will disrupt traffic or unduly interfere with fire, police or ambulance service before approving it, often with conditions.
The Town President can revoke an approval at any time for an emergency, disaster, riot or extreme traffic conditions, and continuing the event after notice of revocation is unlawful. Sponsors must carry insurance naming the Town as an additional insured, sign an indemnification agreement, remove all equipment and repair any street damage afterward, and reimburse the Town for police and other personnel overtime tied to the event, which the Superintendent of Police may require to be secured with a bond or deposit in advance.
Violations & Fines
Conducting, promoting or participating in a Parade or other Special Event without Board of Trustees approval, or continuing one after the Town President revokes approval, violates Sec. 82-38 and carries a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $750.00 for each offense, with every day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. A Sponsor who fails to clean up, repair street damage or maintain required insurance is also liable to the Town for its resulting costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a 'Parade' under Cicero's ordinance?
How far ahead must a parade sponsor apply in Cicero?
Can Cicero cancel an already-approved parade?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cicero
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle parade permits.