East Brunswick, NJ Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 135, Article II, adopted 3-10-2025 as Ord. No. 25-05, defines a special event as an outside activity on public or private property that affects the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-way or sidewalks. The definition names parades, walks, concerts, races, festivals, carnivals, public gatherings, protests and rallies. Section 135-12 also reaches events that need another permit or license, such as street closings, alcohol, fireworks, food sales, or tents and temporary structures over 900 square feet, and events that need Township services beyond what residents get daily, such as street closures, crowd control and dedicated waste removal. Events at the Community Arts Center are limited to qualified non-profit organizations.

The application goes to the Township Clerk and must include a sketch of the route or area, called a footprint, the dates and hours, the expected number of attendees, plans for security, traffic control, cleanup and parking, whether amusement rides or games of chance will be present, and proof of insurance. File at least 60 days before the event unless that is not practical, as with a rally, protest or demonstration. A Review Team that includes the Business Administrator, the Chief of Police, the applicable Fire District Chief and the Director of Planning and Engineering reviews a completed application within 45 days. The applicant then publishes a newspaper notice at least 10 days before the Township Council hearing, and the Township Council decides whether to issue the permit and on what conditions.

Applicants pay a nonrefundable $50 application fee and a $1,500 security deposit before review, plus police, fire, EMS and park charges. A comprehensive general liability policy of $1,000,000 naming the Township as additional insured and a hold harmless agreement are required before a permit is granted. The applicant must clean and restore the site by 10:00 a.m. on the day after the event.