Colonie, NY Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

L. No. " Section 51-2 defines a "public assemblage" as 500 or more people gathering anywhere in Town where any part of the activity happens outdoors or in a nonpermanent or temporary structure. Section 51-3 then bars anyone from holding, sponsoring, conducting, promoting, or letting their property be used for such an assemblage without a permit from the Town Board or its designee. Section 51-5 requires a preliminary written application filed with the Engineering and Planning Services Department at least 60 calendar days before the event, covering the applicant's identity, the property owner's consent, the proposed dates and hours, and expected attendance and vehicle counts; the Town Board or designee must act within 30 calendar days.

If the preliminary filing doesn't resolve concerns about public health, safety, and welfare, § 51-5B requires a detailed application with surveyed site maps, sanitary and water plans, traffic and parking layouts, sound-equipment statements, food and alcohol plans, security and fire-protection plans, and medical arrangements. Section 51-4 exempts established municipal, educational, historical, fire-fighting, fraternal, civic, or religious organizations and qualified political parties acting in their own affairs, though not when they sponsor someone else's assemblage. A denied applicant gets a written statement of reasons under § 51-8, and the Town Board can revoke a permit under § 51-9 for noncompliance.