Taunton, MA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Article III of Chapter 383 reaches any use of the public way that limits others' use of it, whether it is a parade, rally, demonstration, speech or entertainment, unless the activity qualifies as a defined permitted use that needs no permit. The Chief of Police receives and rules on applications, which must include the applicant's and sponsoring organization's names and addresses, the type of use, the proposed location, expected group size, the date, time and advertising method, the names of those in charge, and, for a parade or demonstration, a list of equipment, vehicles, animals and sound amplification to be used.

Applications are due at least 30 days before the event, though the Chief may waive that deadline at his discretion. The Chief weighs the standards spelled out in Section 383-30: whether the timing or size will unreasonably disrupt public street use, whether the event would strain police resources needed elsewhere, whether it conflicts with another permitted event, and whether the application contains false information, among other factors. No permit is issued until the applicant posts the required insurance, naming the City as an insured party, and bond.

The Council may review or overturn a Chief of Police grant or denial on its own motion, and a denied applicant may appeal to the Council within five days. Commercial use of a street, sidewalk or roadway cannot be permitted under this article at all, though the Council may separately ordain specific streets where commercial use is allowed.