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Street Closure Permit

What is a Street Closure Permit?

A Street Closure Permit is required for events that need a street to be closed to keep everyone safe. This includes things like:

  • Parades

  • Block parties

  • Festivals

  • Other large events

How to Apply

If you want to hold an event that requires closing a street in Mt. Vernon, you must complete a Street Closure Permit Application. You can:

Important Notes:

  • You must also collect signatures from residents and businesses affected by the closure.

  • Your application must be submitted at least 7 days before the City Council meeting where it will be reviewed.

  • Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.

  • City Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month.

Extra Steps for State Highway Closures

If your event requires closing a state highway, there are extra steps:

  • The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requires your application to be submitted to them at least 30 days before your event.

  • The City Council must approve your application before it goes to IDOT.

  • You must also provide proof of liability insurance to protect the State of Illinois. This must be included with your application.

Timeline Example for a State Highway Closure

Let’s say your event is scheduled for August 31st:

  • IDOT needs the approved application by July 31st.
  • To meet this deadline, your application must be approved by the last City Council meeting in July.
  • This means you must submit your completed application, including signatures and proof of insurance, at least 6 to 7 weeks before your event..

If you are unsure about your event date or the deadlines, please contact the City Manager’s Office for help planning ahead.

What Happens After You Apply

City staff will review your application. They may contact you for more information.

If your application is complete, it will be added to the next available City Council meeting agenda for approval.

You are not required to attend the City Council meeting, but it is strongly encouraged in case the Council has questions about your event.

If your request is approved, the Street Department will deliver barricades to block off the street for your event.

Below is a list of street closure requests that have been approved by the City Council.

 

Approved Street Closures

Event: Market Days at the Commons, hosted by Mt. Vernon Festivals 

Road Closure: 9th Street from Main Street to Jordan Street

Date/Time of Closure: The second Saturday of the month from April - September, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

 

Event: Kingsman Auto Club Cruise-In Nights

Road Closure: Jordan Street from 10th Street to 12th Street

Date/Time of Closure: The first Friday of the month from May - October, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

 

Event: Fall Fest, hosted by Mt. Vernon Festivals

Road Closure: Various Streets

Date/Time of Closure: September 25, 2025 - September 27, 2025 

 

Event: Annual Christmas Activities, hosted by Mt. Vernon Festivals

Road Closure: 9th Street from Broadway to the Commons alley

Date/Time of Closure: December 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

 

Event: Annual Christmas Parade, hosted by Mt. Vernon Festivals

Road Closure: 7th Street from Main Street to Casey Avenue and Jordan Street from 6th Street to 9th Street

Date/Time of Closure: December 6, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.