Street Use Permits

Process for Neighborhood/Parade Events

(Events that are not closing City streets)

 

Neighborhood Parade Event Registration Application

 

Time Requirement: Registration must be filed two (2) weeks prior to the event.  Please include a map showing the street(s) upon which use is requested.

Fee: None

Process: Copy of registration is submitted to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Public Works Director for review.  Each department reports back to the Clerk's Office with its recommendation.  Based on the recommendations received, the City Clerk will act on the request. 

Notification: The Clerk's Office will notify the applicant in writing of the action taken on the request.

Process for Residential Neighborhood Events

(Block parties: Requests to use or close less than 3 City blocks, or 1,200 feet or less of City streets, and does not require re-routing of traffic.)

 

Residential Neighborhood Event Application

 

Time Requirement: Application must be filed thirty (30) days prior to the date of the event.  Please include a map showing the area which will be affected by the event.

Fee: $20

Process: Copy of application is sent to the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Public Works Director for review.  Each prepares a report which is submitted to the Public Safety & Human Services Committee prior to the committee meeting where the item will be presented.  A copy of the agenda on which the application appears, as well as a letter stating someone must be in attendance or the permit cannot be acted upon, are sent to the applicant.

Notification: Clerk’s Office staff shall review the application and determine all affected residences /addresses.  Notice of the request shall be sent by the Clerk’s Office to all affected parties.  Notice shall include the proposed date, time, extent and purpose of street closure, as well as the date, time and location of the Public Safety and Human Services meeting at which the request will be considered.

Upon Committee approval, permit is issued by Clerk's office and includes date of approval and any special requirements placed on the approval.  Permit is sent to applicant with a copy of the City's requirements on keeping streets clean (Section 4.085 City Ordinances).  Copy of approved permit is also sent to the Police Department.

Barricades: City barricades are required for the event.  Contact the Fitchburg Highway Division of Public Works at 278-7860, a minimum of 48 working hours before the event to make the necessary arrangements.

Combined Sound Permit/Street Use Permit: Residential Neighborhood Events may apply for both a Sound Permit and a Street Use Permit at the same time and receive a discount on the cost.  The total cost is $50.00 and should be paid at the time the application and petition are filed.  This applies to Residential Neighborhood Events only.  Large Scale Events may apply for both permits but do not receive a discount.  Please see the Sound Permit page for more information.

Process for Large Scale or Non-Neighborhood Events

(Parades, bike rides, races, etc.  Requests to use or close 3 or more City blocks, or more than 1,200 feet of City streets, and may require re-routing or blocking of traffic. )

 

Large Scale Event Application

 

Time Requirement: Completed applications are requested four (4) months in advance of the proposed event and are required two (2) months in advance.  Applications submitted less than two (2) months (60 days) prior to the date of the proposed event will not be considered.

Fee: $50.00

Process: A comprehensive map indicating the location of the event, proposed street use(s) or closing(s) and other information as required must accompany the application. 

At least forty-five (45) days prior to the event, applicants must attend a meeting of the Street Use Committee, which consists of the City Clerk, Chief of Police & Director of Public Works or their designees. These meetings are scheduled as needed and should be held during the day.  At this meeting, the event will be discussed in detail to determine requirements for safety issues, barricades, toilet facilities, first aid, etc.  Applicant is instructed to notify all affected property owners 30 days before an event.

Risk Management: The City of Fitchburg requires that all Special Events anticipating more than 500 participants be insured.  General Liability insurance coverage will include contractual liability with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage.  The Certificate of Insurance will name the City of Fitchburg as an "Additional Insured."  Please note that permits will not be issued without proof of insurance.  Proof of insurance must be received no later than thirty (30) days prior to the event.

Police: Off-duty Police officers may be required for large events.  Scheduling will be discussed at the Street Use Committee meeting and is determined by the Police Department.  Please note: officers will not be hired to check I. D. for events involving the sale or service of alcohol.

Fire:  A representative from the Fire Department will evaluate events to determine fire and safety requirements.

EMS:  Clerk's Office staff will send a copy of the application to EMS to inform them of the event for safety purposes. 

Compliance with Policies: The terms of the permit and the general policies on street use must be absolutely adhered to throughout the process.  Violations will be subject to fines and/or event closing.

Combined Sound Permit/Street Use Permit: Large Scale Events may apply for both a Sound Permit and a Street Use Permit at the same time but do not receive a discount.  Please see the Sound Permit page for more information.