Alpharetta, GA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 46-61(a) defines the article's key terms: a parade is any march or procession of people, animals or vehicles, other than a funeral procession, on a public street, sidewalk or alley that does not comply with normal and usual traffic regulations or controls, a motorcade is an organized procession of 25 or more vehicles, and a special event is any activity on private or public property that will affect the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-way or sidewalks, including fairs, festivals, foot runs and bicycle runs.

Section 46-62 then requires a permit from the city traffic engineer, or from the city council in certain cases, before conducting or knowingly participating in any such parade, motorcade or special event. Section 46-63 bars issuing a permit for an event the traffic engineer finds is primarily commercial advertising for private profit, while otherwise requiring permits to be issued on a non-discriminatory basis. Section 46-65 requires an application with a non-refundable fee set by the city council, filed with the traffic engineer no later than 30 days before the event and covering the sponsor's contact information, date, location, route, participant estimate and any sound amplification equipment.

Section 46-66 lets the traffic engineer deny a permit for reasons including undue traffic disruption, interference with fire station or hydrant access, extreme hardship to neighbors, or diversion of too many city employees. Section 46-72 allows an applicant to appeal a denial or revocation to the city council within five days.