Skokie, IL Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Section 14-301 requires a license for any person or corporation that establishes, exhibits, participates in or carries on a carnival, circus, fair or similar amusement activity in the Village, whether or not admission is charged, and limits every license to consecutive dates of operation not exceeding 6 days. Section 14-302 requires the application on forms the Village Manager or designee prescribes, and Section 14-303 requires filing at least 90 days before the proposed first day so the Manager has time to review and investigate. Section 14-304 bars issuing a license to, or naming as applicant, anyone under 21 years of age.

Under Section 14-305, the Village Manager may grant a license only after finding the amusement will not endanger public peace, health, safety or welfare, may attach conditions, and a denied or restricted applicant may appeal to the Mayor and Board of Trustees at the next regular or a special meeting. Section 14-306 requires written notice by first-class mail or personal delivery, at least 30 days before the event, to every property tenant or occupant within 500 feet whenever the activity will run within 500 feet of an occupied residence or on a public street or alley; multi-family buildings in that radius also get the notice posted in common areas.

Fees run under Section 46-76 per Section 14-310, and Section 14-311 requires a cash or surety bond, deposited at least 48 hours before the first operating day and held for 90 days after the license ends, guaranteeing repair of Village property damage, cleanup of litter and debris, and removal of signs within 48 hours of the licensee leaving.