Kenosha, WI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- parades, marches, ceremonies
- Application window
- 30-365 days before event
- Fee, filed 45+ days ahead
- $100 non-refundable
- Fee, filed 30-44 days ahead
- $500 non-refundable
- Penalty for violation
- $200-$500 forfeiture
Summary
Kenosha requires a Special Event Permit for any parade, march, or ceremony that uses City streets or property and draws public participation. Applications go to the Department of Administration 30 to 365 days ahead, with fees ranging from $100 to $500 depending on how late the filing comes in.
Special Event. An event, program or activity occurring on a scheduled date requiring one or more licenses issued pursuant to Sections 5.04, 6.05, 12.02, 12.03, 12.04, 12.05, 13.03, 13.035, or 14.025 of the Code of General Ordinances, lasting no longer than five (5) consecutive days or consisting of reoccurring nonconsecutive days, to which the general public is solicited or otherwise encouraged to attend and requiring authorized use of any City-owned or City-controlled property including streets, parking lots, lands, select public facilities or City parks that may or may not require City services. Types of Special Events include, but are not limited to, concerts, parades, festivals, athletic events, marches, ceremonies, tournaments, exhibitions, expositions, fairs, markets, or shows. C.Permit Required. A Special Event Permit shall be required under this Section prior to and as a condition of any person, party, firm or corporation undertaking a Special Event.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 11 Update 1 | Zoning Ordinance: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
06 defines a Special Event to expressly include parades, marches, and ceremonies among other listed activity types, and requires authorized use of City-owned or City-controlled property such as streets, parking lots, and public facilities. Subsection C makes a Special Event Permit mandatory before any person, party, firm, or corporation may undertake such an event, and the permit is issued to a named Special Event Organizer who remains responsible for supervising all authorized activity whether or not personally present. 025, so a parade with vendors or entertainment does not need multiple City licenses.
Applications must be filed with the Department of Administration between 30 and 365 days before the event date and must identify the organizer, the exact dates and times, a scaled site plan, and an operational plan addressing safety and permit standards. The non-refundable fee is $100 if filed 45 or more days ahead, rising to $500 if filed between 30 and 44 days out. 02 separately sets parade-specific fees when a parade is tied to a licensed circus or similar entertainment: no charge if the underlying entertainment is already licensed, or $50 per parade for a circus parade and $25 per parade for a dog-and-pony-show parade if it is not.
Violations & Fines
The Reviewing Authority (the Board of Park Commissioners for park events, the Board of Public Works for other City property) may suspend or revoke a permit for noncompliance after 10 days' notice and a hearing, or immediately without notice if the event poses an immediate danger to public health, safety, or welfare. Section 12.06.S sets the criminal penalty at a forfeiture of not less than $200 nor more than $500 plus prosecution costs, with up to 90 days in the County Jail for nonpayment. Failing to keep emergency accessibility lanes open for Police or Fire Department directives is a separate violation that can trigger closure of part or all of the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kenosha require a permit to hold a parade?
How far ahead must I apply for a Kenosha parade permit?
Do I need separate licenses if my parade includes vendors?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kenosha
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