Norwalk, CT Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 88, Article I, Public Gatherings, governs any parade-type event Norwalk expects to draw 100 or more people. Section 88-1 bars holding a public gathering without a City Clerk license, and Section 88-2 defines a public gathering as an assembly, music festival, carnival, show, circus, dance, exhibition, lecture, concert, party or celebration open to the public and held outdoors or outside a permanent structure built for that purpose; only religious services and school functions (Board of Education, PTO, student events) are carved out. Applicants file with the City Clerk on the office's own form and must apply at least 30 days before the requested date (Section 88-6).

Before the Clerk signs off, the application needs approval from the Building Inspector, Zoning Inspector, Department of Public Works, Health Department, Recreation and Parks Department, Fire Marshal and Police Department (Section 88-5A). Every licensee assumes liability for the event and must indemnify the City, and the Clerk requires a performance bond or cash deposit of at least $250, sized in consultation with those same departments based on the risk to residential properties (Section 88-5C). , though the Clerk can waive that for nonresidential locations or other good cause (Sections 88-5D, 88-8). License fees follow a schedule the City Clerk sets with Common Council concurrence after a public hearing (Section 88-3).