Clifton, NJ Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Clifton Code § 339-2 provides that "no person shall engage in, participate in, aid, form or start any parade, unless a parade permit shall have been obtained from the Chief of Police," exempting only funeral processions, students traveling to or from school under staff supervision, and government agencies acting within their functions. Section 339-3 sets the application process: it must go to the City Manager/Director of Public Safety at least 72 hours ahead if the parade needs any street closure, or 48 hours ahead if it does not, and must disclose the organizer, route, start/end points, expected crowd and vehicle count, assembly locations and timing.

A $75 filing fee is due at application, refundable by Council resolution for qualifying nonprofit, religious, fraternal, civic, veteran or charitable organizations, or indigent applicants. Applicants must also post a $2,500 surety bond, or place $2,500 in escrow, to cover police protection and cleanup costs. Under § 339-4, the Director of Public Safety must be satisfied the parade will not strain police or ambulance coverage, will not interfere with firefighting, moves without unreasonable delay, and is not purely a private advertising event. Section 339-5 requires a decision within 24 hours of filing, with written reasons given for any denial, and § 339-6 lets the Director offer an alternate date, time or route instead of a flat denial. Chapter 339 was amended in its entirety 11-17-2025 by Ord. No. 8059-25.