Kalamazoo, MI Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Section 33-5 requires a permit before using City streets, alleys, or public grounds for a special event, including one where food, drink, or merchandise is sold, or for a parade, march, or gathering. The application must be filed in writing with the City Clerk and state the time, place, and, notably, the public grounds intended to be occupied, which covers park reservations as well as street closures. Once filed, the City Manager or a designee may grant the permit; if the event would use any portion of a U.S. highway or state trunk line highway, the applicant must also secure a separate permit from the state highway department, and without it the City refuses use of that highway for the event.

Anyone who holds a parade or gathering without complying with the section is guilty of a misdemeanor. Subsection B gives an applicant whose permit is denied by the City Manager a right to appeal to the City Commission, but only if the appeal is filed in writing with the City Clerk's Office within 10 days of the denial notice and no later than 21 days before the requested event date; the City Commission may adopt a resolution setting rules for such appeals. Related provisions reinforce the permit system: § 33-24.U separately bars anyone from interfering with an event that the City has specially permitted in writing, and § 33-5.1 lets the City Manager approve temporary local street closings for block parties on written application to the City Clerk.