Dubuque, IA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Dubuque City Code section 10-4-3 requires the sponsor of any parade or special event to obtain a permit from the city clerk before gathering on city property or the public right-of-way, and to pay a permit fee. The application must include a hold-harmless agreement indemnifying the city and proof of an insurance policy adequate to the circumstances, submitted before the permit issues. Section 10-4-3.D directs the clerk to grant or deny the permit against ten standards: interference with residents' privacy, safety and tranquility; whether the site can accommodate the group's size and sanitation needs; compatibility with normal activity at that time and place; the applicant's demonstrated planning for traffic control, parking and public safety; conflicts with an already-permitted event, processed first in time; disruption of vehicular or pedestrian traffic; excessive diversion of police from other duties; completeness and timeliness of the filing; and any unpaid invoices or fees the applicant owes from prior events.

Section 10-4-3.E lets the city clerk revoke a permit already granted if the applicant misstated a material fact or the facts materially varied from the application, and lets the city manager, police chief, fire chief or public health director revoke it for a disaster, riot or other emergency. Section 10-4-3.F lets the city manager waive certain requirements under an adopted waiver policy, and section 10-4-3.G makes it unlawful to knowingly interfere with anyone lawfully conducting a parade.