Sheboygan, WI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 118-536(a) bars anyone from forming, directing, marshaling, leading or participating in any parade, walk, run or other similar event in an area used principally for pedestrian or vehicular traffic without a permit obtained in advance. Section 118-512 defines a parade as any parade, march or procession of any kind and the assembly areas for it. Subsection (b) lets an event skip the permit if the chief of police is notified at least 72 hours ahead, the event will not substantially hinder normal use of the sidewalk or footway, and participants abide by all traffic signs, signals and other traffic regulations. Funeral processions and parades sponsored by a federal, state or municipal agency acting in its governmental capacity need no permit (§ 118-537).

Applications go to the chief of police (§ 118-538), and one filed less than 35 days before the parade must be filed in person. The written application is made on the chief's form at the organizer's earliest convenience and in no case less than 72 hours before the parade (§ 118-539). It must list the applicant, the organization and its responsible heads, the date and duration, the assembly area, starting point, route and termination point, the number and size of units, and any additional information the chief reasonably needs (§ 118-540).

The chief can deny an application for a parade on a work day at times and places where traffic flow is delayed by its own volume, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., without sufficient marshals, or with more than one assembly or dispersal area (§ 118-542). Denial is mandatory when the application comes less than 72 hours ahead, the parade is primarily for private or commercial economic gain, it would violate highway law or city ordinances, it conflicts with another permit, or it lacks required information (§ 118-543). Applications filed 35 or more days ahead are decided at least 28 days before the date; later ones within seven days of filing and no later than ten hours before the parade (§ 118-544). The common council can overrule the chief, and the chief can revoke a permit for an actual or potential emergency due to weather, fire, riot or other catastrophe (§ 118-547). The required insurance policy is a minimum of $1,000,000.00 naming the city as additional insured (§ 118-552).