Albany, OR Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Special event permit or road closure permit
- Reviewing official
- City Manager
- Denial appeal
- To the City Council
- Permit term
- Valid for the period specified; renewable annually
- Application contents
- Name, intended use, routes, size of display, site plan if required
- Other right-of-way uses
- Encroachment permit under AMC § 14.08.010
Summary
In the City of Albany, Oregon, no one can obstruct or use a public street, sidewalk or other right-of-way for a public or private gathering, parade or processional, or promotional event without first obtaining a special event permit or road closure permit. The City Manager reviews applications, and denials can be appealed to the City Council.
No person or persons shall obstruct or make use of a public street, sidewalk, or other right-of-way for the purpose of a public or private gathering, parade or processional, display advertising, offering of services, food or other merchandise, or promotional event without first obtaining a special event permit or road closure permit. All other uses of the public right-of-way shall obtain an encroachment permit per AMC § 14.08.010. ... Application for a special event or road closure permit shall be made on the form provided by the City and shall contain: (1) The name of the person or organization requesting the permit; and (2) A description of the intended use, routes, size of display, and, if required, a drawing or site plan which indicates size, materials, and location of the intended use.
Full Breakdown
Section 13.33.010 of the Albany Municipal Code, in Chapter 13.33 (Temporary Right-of-Way Use Permit), is the permit requirement. No person or persons shall obstruct or make use of a public street, sidewalk, or other right-of-way for the purpose of a public or private gathering, parade or processional, display advertising, offering of services, food or other merchandise, or promotional event without first obtaining a special event permit or road closure permit. All other uses of the public right-of-way must obtain an encroachment permit under AMC § 14.08.010. The section carries a 2024 amendment (Ord. 6038).
The application is made on the form provided by the City. It must give the name of the person or organization requesting the permit and a description of the intended use, routes, size of display, and, if required, a drawing or site plan which indicates size, materials, and location of the intended use (§ 13.33.020). Chapter 13.32 repeats the same application terms in § 13.32.020, headed Parade/processional permits required.
The City Manager reviews each application with consideration to existing laws and ordinances and to disruption of, or hazards to safe vehicle and pedestrian movement, and authorizes the activities that will be permitted. If the application is denied, the applicant can appeal to the City Council (§ 13.33.030). The permit is valid for the period specified on it and can be renewed annually. The City can revoke a permit or deny renewal for violation of conditions placed on the permit, or for any fraud or misrepresentation in the application (§ 13.33.050).
Once a procession is moving, Chapter 13.32 sets driving rules. Each driver in a funeral or other procession shall drive as near to the right-hand edge of the street as practical and safe and follow the vehicle ahead as closely as is practical and safe (§ 13.32.030). No driver shall drive between the vehicles comprising a funeral or other authorized procession while in motion, except where traffic is controlled by traffic signals or when otherwise directed by a police officer, and authorized emergency vehicles are exempt (§ 13.32.040). Section 7.68.010(2) adds that no person shall fail or refuse to disperse when lawfully ordered to do so by any police officer.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 13.33 prints no penalty of its own, so § 1.04.010 applies: a violation carries a civil penalty of not more than $1,000, and a misdemeanor carries a fine of not more than $2,500 or imprisonment not to exceed one year, or both. Under § 1.04.020 the case proceeds as a violation unless the City Attorney states it will proceed as a misdemeanor. Each day is a separate offense. The City can also revoke a permit for violated conditions, fraud or misrepresentation (§ 13.33.050).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Albany, Oregon?
What does the Albany permit application require?
How long does an Albany special event permit last?
What driving rules apply to a procession in Albany?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albany
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