West Haven, CT Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

Chapter 170 of the West Haven Code, Parks and Recreation Areas, runs park use through the Department of Parks and Recreation. Section 170-19, amended 2-27-1989 by Ord. No. 278, limits the reserved use of any park, park facility, the West Haven Green, the Allingtown Green or any area under the Department's jurisdiction to West Haven residents who obtain a permit from the Department. The text ties reserved use to residency.

Section 170-23 adds a second permit for sound and speech. The playing of organized music or the use of the parks for public speaking is prohibited unless a permit is first obtained from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Organized music covers individuals or bands playing live or recorded music at a volume that disturbs or adversely affects individuals or groups seeking to use or enjoy the park or recreation areas.

A permit also sits behind other event needs. Fires require the prior written permission of the Department, and any fire stays under the continuous care and direction of the permittee from the time it is kindled until it is extinguished (§ 170-20). Alcoholic beverages in a park or recreation area are prohibited unless the Department gives written permission (§ 170-26). Domestic animals are barred from a park, recreation area or sports facility during a permitted event or activity (§ 170-28). No property under the Board of Parks and Recreation can be leased, rented or used for commercial purposes, except designated areas for the sale of food and soft drinks by vendors under a City contract awarded after public bid (§ 170-2). Anyone in a park who claims to hold a permit must exhibit it on request of an authorized person (§ 170-30). Noise from recreational activities permitted by law and licensed or permitted by the City, including parades, sporting events, concerts and firework displays, is exempt from the Chapter 154 noise standards under § 154-5E(7).