Permits & Licenses

LOUDSPEAKER PERMIT REQUIREMENTS & APPLICATION

Loudspeaker Permit Application (.pdf) or Word

Make sure you have read and understand the Requirements/Restrictions below.
The form may be filled out electronically but must be printed out, signed, and mailed or faxed in not less than fourteen (14) days prior to the day of the event.

By mail: Parks/Forestry and Recreation Dept.    2100 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
By fax: (847) 448-8051

Requirements/Restrictions (City Code 9-5-23-F-2)

• Restrictions upon hours of permitted use:
  • Weekday Hours (Sunday through Thursday) 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Weekend Hours (Friday, Saturday, and holidays) 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Loudspeaker permits are prohibited within one hundred fifty (150) feet of residentially zoned property.
• Number and size of speakers may be limited based on nature of event
• Even with Loudspeaker Permit approval, Police Department reserves the right to request immediate shutoff of amplification based on neighborhood complaints.
• Provisions For University Permits
  • A completed Outdoor Event Request Form from Norris Center Campus Reservations Office must be submitted along with the application.
  • Per agreement between the City of Evanston and Northwestern University, the City can only approve permit requests for events on the landfill.
  • Loudspeakers must be directed towards the lake.