Iowa City, IA
Home MenuUse of Public Ways and Property
Do you or your group want to use City property for a block party, softball tournament, music festival, parade, or a demonstration? Or to sell food at the Farmers Market or on City Plaza? If so, you or the group may require the City's permission. See the "Guide to Use of Public Property" for information on the private use of City property, including whether permission is needed, fees are charged, or insurance is required.
There is more detailed information available for "parades" or "public assemblies" (a group of more than 25 people wanting to use the City streets and/or City Plaza and/or the sidewalks or more than 100 people wanting to use any City park) in the "Parades and Public Assemblies Information Sheet."
Information Guides
- Use of City Plaza (City Code Section 10-5-7)
- Guide to Use of Public Property
- Ordinance Governing Use of Public Ways and Property - 4/04
- Parades and Public Assemblies Information Sheet
Applications
Parade/Public Assembly Permit (Includes Park Use)
- Parade, Assembly & Special Events Toolkit
- Parade/Public Assembly Permit Online Application
- Pre-approved Walk/Run Route Maps
A route map must be included in your application for it to be considered a complete application in order to reserve a date! City response can take up to 5 working days for a parade/assembly application.
Rally, Parade, Picket, Demonstration
If a parade or public assembly will take place on municipal sidewalks, streets, City Plaza, or any City Park, contact the City Clerk's Office, or call 319-356-5042 with questions.
If a parade or public assembly will occur in any City park and a shelter is needed, contact Jeff Sears, (Parks & Recreation), or call 319-356-5034 with questions.
Mobile Vendor Permit (e.g. Wheeled Cart on City Plaza)
Contact the City Manager's Office at 319-356-5014 with questions.
Ambulatory Vendor Permit
Please see the City Clerk's page under Licenses and Permits for additional information.
Temporary Use of Sidewalk
Please see the City Clerk's page under Licenses and Permits for additional information.
Sidewalk Retailing
City Code Section 10-3-6 provides that a sidewalk retailing permit may be issued to individual retailers allowing placement of merchandise on the sidewalk. This permit will be in effect from March 1 through October 31, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Under this provision, a permit may be issued to any individual retailer who completes the application, provides proof of liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and abides by the rules for sidewalk retailing established by the City Manager.
Learn more on our Sidewalk Retailing page.