Fall 2008

Permits Division, Department of Park Services

If you are planning an event in the parks along the lakefront, you may need to secure a Special Event Permit in order to proceed with your event. Certain activities that require a Special Event Permit may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  • events with 50 or more participants,
  • use of amplified sound,
  • tents or stages,
  • liquor,
  • any advertising or sponsorship activities, and
  • merchandise, etc.

Please keep in mind that there are other activities or proposed event features that may require you to secure a permit. If you are unsure whether your special event will need a permit, please contact the Department of Park Services – Permits Division: (312) 742 - 5369.

Permit Application Process:

  1. Choose a park, specific park location, and date for your event. (Please consult the downloadable maps on the right.). You are encouraged to choose an alternative location and/or date in the event that your first choice is not available. Events of 50 or more people and those events with special features are required to secure a Special Event Permit. If you are unsure whether or not a permit is required for your event, please refer to the Park District Code at chicagoparkdistrict.com or call the Department of Park Services at (312)742-5369.
  2. Please be sure to complete all sections of the Special Event Permit Application. All proposed activities and events are subject to the approval of the Park District. The Park District will not consider your submittal if the application is incomplete and dose not include the $25 application fee.
  3. Submit the completed application (pages 7 through 14) and $25 application fee by mail, delivery in person, or fax to the appropriate Region Office. Submittal of an application does not grant you a permit of conformation to conduct your planned event; all applications are subject to review. Completed applications with appropriate fees and requested documentation/information must be submitted at least 30 days prior to your event; otherwise, late fees may apply (refer to Fees and Fee Deadlines on page 3).

    PLEASE NOTE: Only applications delivered in person will be processed on January 2, 2008 beginning at 8:00 am. Applications submitted by mail, e-mail and fax, and all applications received prior to 8:00 am on January 2, 2008, will not be processed until January 3, 2008. The Park District cannot guarantee that all applications received prior to January 2, 2008 at 8:00 am will be processed in the order received on January 3, 2008. Furthermore, only completed applications submitted with the $25 application fee will be processed, regardless of the date/time and/or delivery method the application is submitted.
  4. The park District processes applications for permits in order of receipt. The Park District will not consider your submittal without a completed application and a$25 application fee,
  5. Upon receiving your completed application and $25 application fee, the Park District will contact you to inform you of the status of your application. You will be informed of any remaining fees that must be paid (please see Fees and Fee Deadlines, page 3), along with any additional documentation requirements. The Park District reserves the right to require additional information or documentation regarding the applicant, applicant’s company, sponsoring company/organization, cosponsors, event participants, event vendors, event activities, or the event itself. Moreover, the Park District may postpone approval of event permits until receipt of additional requested information of documentation. Failure to submit requested information or documentation in a timely manner may be cause for denial of a park permit.
  6. Applicants are required to submit a “Certificate of Insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 worth of General Liability coverage that names the Chicago Park District as additional insured” for the event and the date(s) of all preparation for such event occurring on Chicago Park District property. Applicants must submit an Endorsement issued under their General Liability policy of insurance for the event that reflects that the Chicago Park District is an additional insured for the event.

    You permit will not be issued if the Certificate of Insurance and the Endorsement have not been received.
  7. Applicants are required to inform the Chicago Park District of any and all amendments to the original application prior to the event day.
  8. Once all the Park District’s requirements have been fulfilled, including receipt of all documents and full payment, a Special Event Permit will be issued.
  9. PLEASE NOTE: Costs incurred promoting and marketing events prior to the issuance of an approved Special Event Permit from the Chicago Park District and changed/modifications relative to the event from the Chicago Park District and/or the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and other City of Chicago departments is at the sole expense and risk of the Event Organizer.

Submit the completed Special Event Permit Application to:

Chicago Park District
Department of Park Services - Permits Division
541 N. Fairbanks Court, 4th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611

Applications for permitted special events along the lakefront may also be faxed to our office: (312) 742 - 6038

If you have any further questions, please consult our Frequently Asked Questions page. Also, feel free to contact our office with any additional questions, or to confirm that your application has been received: (312) 742 - 5369.