Special Event Permits

Overview

The City of Elgin offers many applications for residents and businesses to host events. Our staff will work with you along the way, advising you on available resources and assisting you in any way possible to assure a successful event. For events on city property, see the list of applications below. We recommend you start with the Special Events Planning Guide. This document is a comprehensive guide to hosting events on city property; it will help you determine what permit applications you will may need to submit, what fees might apply and what timeline you should expect.

For events on private property, you will work with Community Development using their Temporary Use Permit Application. 

Special Events Permit Application

If you are planning to conduct an event on city property, please fill out a special events permit application and return it at least 60 days prior to the event. Please include a layout of the event. You can reference the special events planning guide for detailed information. This application is often the first step in hosting an event on city property; additional applications may be required. 

Temporary Food Establishment Application 

If you are planning to serve or sell food at your special event, please fill out the Temporary Food Handling Application and return it no later than seven days before the event. Please note that there is a fee involved.

Tent Permit Application

If you are planning to use or rent tents larger than 10 feet by 10 feet, please complete the Tent Permit Application submit it with a flame-resistant certificate for the tent within 14 days of the special event. Note that this permit application should be submitted along with the Special Event Permit Application. 

Street Banner Permit Application

If you would like to reserve dates for a banner advertising your event on Chicago Street or Highland Avenue, please complete the Street Banner Permit Application. The dates are first come, first served. The banner will be hung over the street by our public works department.

Street or Parking Lot Closure Permit Application

If you are planning to close any city streets or parking lots for your event, please complete the Street or Parking Lot Closure Permit Application. Please reference the Special Events Planning Guide for more information. Note that this permit application should be submitted along with the Special Event Permit Application. 

Block Party Permit Application

If you are planning to close any city streets or parking lots for your event, please complete a Block Party Permit Application and return it to the Special Events Office at least 14 days before your event. Please reference the Block Party page to the left for more information. The $10 application fee is waived for National Night Out. If you'd like to request the Block Party in a Box, this is the application you should complete. Block Party in a Box reservations are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. The Block Party in a Box is available for reservations May 6-September 30 of this year; it may not be reserved for National Night Out. 

Film Permit Application

If you intend to do filming on public property please complete a Film Permit Application. Please note that if you intend to close any city streets of parking lots you will need to complete a street/parking lot closure application form in addition to the film application.

Carnival Permit Application

If you are planning a carnival please fill out a Carnival Permit Application. and return it along with a proposed site layout at least 60 days before the event. Please reference the special events planning guide for more information.

Liquor License

If you plan to serve liquor at your event, Liquor License Applications must be submitted 60 days prior to an event. Please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 847-931-5660 for permit information, fees, and regulations.