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

Chapter 188 defines "parade" as an organized public procession on a festive or ceremonial occasion, and treats it, along with marches, motorcades, picketing, rallies and walk-a-thons, differently from other outdoor activities like fairs or carnivals. Section 188-3B(1) exempts these processional activities from the general rule that a sponsor must get City Council permission at least 20 days ahead to use City-owned property, "unless otherwise determined pursuant to Section 188-3C." Section 188-3C then supplies the actual permit path: before conducting a motorcade, march, parade, rally, picket or walk-a-thon, the sponsor or licensee must obtain a license from the Subdivision of Licensing, approved in advance by the Police Director or a designee.

The application is due 30 days before the event and must state the route, location, the number of persons, vehicles and floats participating, the length of time, anticipated security concerns, and any other factor the Subdivision of Licensing and the East Orange Police Department consider relevant; the City Administrator may waive the 30-day deadline. The Subdivision of Licensing and Police Department then decide, case by case, which of Chapter 188's other provisions, such as insurance or security-cost requirements, apply to the specific event. Funeral processions are excluded from Section 188-3C altogether and need no license under this chapter.

A conviction for holding an unlicensed parade or motorcade, or for violating the terms of an approved license, is punishable under Section 188-10 by a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days of incarceration, or up to 90 days of community service.