Apple Valley, MN Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.361
- Filing deadline
- No less than 60 days before the event
- Council approval
- 2,000 or more attendees, amplified sound, past 10:00 p.m., fireworks
- Insurance
- $1,000,000 combined single limit, $2,000,000 aggregate
- Services deposit
- 125% of estimated city costs, 30 days before
- Neighbor notice
- Written, not less than 14 days before
Summary
In the City of Apple Valley, Minnesota, a temporary outdoor event permit is required for any parade, for events needing street closures, and for larger athletic and vendor events. Applications go to the Zoning Administrator at least 60 days ahead, and big or late-running events need Apple Valley City Council approval.
(C) Permit required. (1) A temporary outdoor event permit is required in connection with any of the following: ... (c) Event for which street or intersection closures or restrictions are required as determined by the city or as may be requested by the event sponsor, unless otherwise excluded by definition of the event in this section. (d) Parade. ... (b) An application for a temporary outdoor use permit shall be filed with the Zoning Administrator no less than 60 days prior to the proposed event date. ... (2) It is unlawful for any person to participate in an assemblage within the vehicular travel portion of any public right of way unless it is in connection with an event for which a temporary outdoor event permit or block party permit has been issued by the city and is not otherwise in violation of any traffic direction or control order of a police officer.
Full Breakdown
Section 155.361 of the Apple Valley Code of Ordinances governs parades, athletic events and other temporary outdoor events in Dakota County, Minnesota. A permit is required for any parade, any event needing street or intersection closures or restrictions, and any timed athletic event or one awarding prizes, regardless of participants. An untimed walk or run event needs one at 500 or more participants, and an untimed cycle event at 50 or more cyclists. An open public event with more than three registered vendors, arts, crafts or live performance, amplified music, amusement rides or amusement games also needs a permit.
No permit is required for a funeral procession, a governmental agency activity within its duties, an event held wholly inside an Apple Valley park under a park facility permit, or an untimed bike event passing through with fewer than 50 participants in the city at one time, if the organizer certifies that in writing.
The Zoning Administrator issues most permits after review by the outdoor event permit committee. City Council approval is required when 2,000 or more people are expected, when the event has more than three vendors or three activities, when it has amplified music, when it runs later than 10:00 p.m., when it closes a street classified as a minor collector or higher, or when it includes a fireworks display.
The application, with a non-refundable fee set by Council resolution, is due no less than 60 days before the event. It needs a scaled site plan and a vendor list. Before issuance the applicant signs an indemnification agreement, carries commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit and $2,000,000 aggregate naming the City as additional insured, and files the certificate 30 days before the event. A city services deposit of 125% of the estimated cost is due 30 days before the event, and abutting properties get written notice at least 14 days ahead. Tents over 200 square feet and canopies over 400 square feet need a building permit.
Violations & Fines
Section 155.361(G) makes it unlawful to sell food or merchandise at a permitted event unless registered under the event permit, and unlawful to join an assemblage in the vehicular travel portion of a public right of way without an event or block party permit. Section 155.999 makes a Chapter 155 violation a misdemeanor, with each day a separate violation. A permittee that breaks permit conditions can be denied a permit for 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every parade in Apple Valley need a permit?
Who approves the permit?
What happens if I file late?
What insurance is required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Apple Valley
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