The City recognizes that businesses and organizations host events that are different from daily business activities.  The City of Joliet is proud to host numerous events each year; from major festivals, parades and sporting events, to local neighborhood gatherings.  To ensure the event is compatible with the surrounding public and since the City also has a significant interest in protecting the health, safety and welfare of the general public and in preserving the public order, the City regulates these events.  Events that have at least one of the following characteristics must apply for a Special Event Permit:

• May attract a crowd that is significantly larger than what is expected during a typical business day

• Use/Closure of roads, streets, city blocks or other public area

• Use of an outdoor parking lot for any part of the event other than for parking

• Use of structures such as a tent or stage

• Use of City Services

• Use of City-Owned Property (Chicago St. Plaza)

• Use of amplified sound or outdoor entertainment that is not included as part of any annual entertainment license.

Any event in the City of Joliet required to have a Special Event permit shall comply with the Illinois Concealed Carry Law.  The event organizer is responsible for posting signs that prohibit the carrying of firearms.  The signs shall be clearly and conspicuously posted at each entrance of the event.  Click here for a link to the Illinois Concealed Carry Law.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIAL EVENTS:

• Parades

• Carnival/Circus

• Outdoor Concert/Performance/Meeting

• Street Festival

• Marathons / Walk-a-thon / Bike-a-thon events

• Farmer’s Market

• Public Events with Food Consumption

• Car Show / Vehicle Exhibit or demonstrations held outdoors

Current Fees

• Special Event Permit                               $100.00

• Special Event Permit (Not-for-Profit) $50.00 (must submit proof of NFP Status)

• Temporary Liquor License                      $50.00

• Tent Permit                                                 $50.00 per tent

• Stage Permit                                              $100.00 per stage

• Raffle Permit                                              $10.00

• Late Fee                                                       $25.00 (if received within 75 days of event)                                                                                         

Other fees are determined based on the information listed on the application.  Fees for City staff will be invoiced after the completion of the event.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Special Event Application

• Property owner letter authorizing use of the property

• Site plan

• Certificate of Insurance listing the City of Joliet as additionally insured

• Other required permit applications

For Film Permits and requirements, go to the Filming Permit Application.

Permits will be issued in the City of Joliet, Cultural Affairs Office: cojspecialevents@joliet.gov

• Permits are required when filming takes place upon or impacts the public way (streets, sidewalks, alleys, etc.). In addition, permits are required when filming in City Parks. NOTE: News crews, handheld interviews, documentaries, B-roll, and other low impact productions typically do not require a permit, as long as it does not interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

• Permits are valid for specific locations, dates and times as requested in the application.

• Applications for permits must be submitted 30 days prior to the beginning of filming. Rush fees may apply for obtaining permits prior to 30 days. Processing time for films with pyrotechnics, closure of city streets or rerouting of public transportation may take longer so plan accordingly.

• There is a non-refundable $125 application-filing fee for a film permit. Permits will incur a $100 per day or $250/week fee made payable to City of Joliet prior to granting the permit.

• A certificate of insurance naming the City of Joliet as an additional insured in the amount of $1,000,000 general liability, and $1,000,000 bodily injury, property damage and automobile liability, must be received with the permit application. (*Students and Filmmakers with budgets under $50,000—Please contact the City of Joliet, Special Events regarding insurance needs.)

• Uniformed Police Officers will be assigned to production at the expense of the production company during road closures and when the Chief of Police or his designee deems it advisable for public safety and convenience. The number of officers assigned will be determined by the police department based on the needs of the production to guarantee maximum safety and security of the public. NOTE: All Road Closures will require a minimum of two Police Officers (3 Hour Minimum Shift).

• Parking signs/meter covers can only be posted by the Police Department, at the expense of the production company

• The relocation of parked vehicles from permitted zones can only be performed by the City.

• Arrangements for overflow crew parking must be made in advance with the City of Joliet Police Department.

• Residential areas can be used for filming between 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Filming at any other time must receive prior approval from appropriate City and Police personnel.

• A minimum of 72 hours’ notice is required to notify residents within a 2 block radius of the shooting location depending on the scope of the production. Notification fliers must include the production company, shooting times, parking or traffic restrictions, any special effects utilized (pyrotechnics, simulated gunfire, etc.) and the appropriate contact names and phone numbers for on-site personnel. A sample piece must be approved by the Cultural Affairs Office prior to mailing or canvassing.

• The production company shall not interfere with the normal activities of a neighborhood. Filming crews and equipment should not interfere with garbage collection, street sweeping, etc. and access to private property cannot be blocked unless permission is procured.

• All garbage must be cleaned up prior to leaving the location.

• Questions regarding these guidelines should be directed to Lori Carmine, Cultural Affairs Manager: 815-724-3763 or cojspecialevents@joliet.gov

Block Parties are a separate application and can be found at the Block Party Application Portal

• An approved permit may be cancelled at the discretion of the City Manager or his designee for failure to obey the terms of the permit policy or for public safety reasons;

•  The applicant agrees to hold the City of Joliet and its officials, agents and employees harmless for any claim or injury arising out of the use of any public street, sidewalk or other facility in conjunction with the terms and conditions of this permit;

• The person listed on the application as having authority to control the event must remain at this event until its completion and shall be available to accept any complaints;

•  Street closing barricades must be easily moved in case of an emergency and equipped with appropriate warning devices also visible after sunset. The use of a vehicle as a barricade is prohibited;

•  An approximate twelve-foot (12’) emergency drive aisle shall remain clear at all time;

•  No alcoholic beverages shall be sold at any event unless the proper State of Illinois and City of Joliet Liquor License has been issued. Underage drinking is prohibited. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the public right-of-way;

•  The use of illegal fireworks is prohibited;

• The open air meeting permit is limited to the date and time specified on the permit but no events shall begin before noon on Sundays or continue after 11:00 p.m.