Clifton, NJ Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Chapter 159, rewritten in its entirety by Ord. No. 7913-24 on May 21, 2024, defines a street fair as a City-street event with booths selling goods, food or information that may include carnival rides, live music and dance. An applicant must file a sworn application with the City Clerk at least 60 days before the event, disclosing the organizer's identity, a site diagram, expected attendance, security plans and any prior special-event permits used in the preceding 12 months. The Police, Fire, Health and Building Departments each investigate and report before the governing body votes.

Alcohol is banned unless a separate ABC permit issues; sale of tobacco, e-cigarettes, vaping products and cannabis is banned outright, and lewd or nude entertainment is prohibited. Political signs on public property are barred under Chapter 185 and political-contribution solicitation on public property is barred under Chapter 251. For events partly or wholly on public property, the organizer must post a $2,500 security deposit (bond or certified check), rising to $5,000 if attendance is expected to exceed 5,000, plus liability insurance of at least $250,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence naming the City as additional insured; events with amusement rides need $1,000,000/$2,000,000 coverage from the ride vendor.

Unarmed security guards and off-duty police, in numbers set by the Chief of Police, are mandatory, and all tents, rides and food concessions must pass health, safety and fire inspection within 48 hours of opening.