Bothell, WA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 10.55 of the Bothell Municipal Code covers parades, processions and other organized formations of persons or vehicles on public streets in the City of Bothell. Section 10.55.020 makes it unlawful to initiate, promote or participate in a parade, procession or organized formation on any street, way, highway, road or sidewalk under city control unless the chief of police has granted a permit. Funeral processions and picket lines are carved out. Section 10.55.030 repeats the rule for any parade within the city.

Apply to the chief of police in writing at least 72 hours before the parade (BMC 10.55.040). The form asks for the date and starting time, the applicant's name, address, telephone number and organization, the formation or assembly area and time, the route and which portions of the streets will be occupied, the approximate number of people and vehicles, and the purpose of the parade or motorcade.

Once the application is timely and complete, the chief issues the permit within 48 hours, excluding holidays, Saturdays and Sundays, unless the time, place and manner break the chapter's rules or the permit would conflict with one already issued. No fee is charged. The chief can also modify the route, time and place to ease crowd control, provided the applicant's right of free speech is not denied. Routes and schedules must be approved by the chief or the city council before a permit is granted (BMC 10.55.090). Only one parade can be held on a calendar day other than Saturday or Sunday (BMC 10.55.080).

For each parade the chief has the authority and duty to restrict parking along the route and at the assembly or dispersal point from three hours before the start to one hour after dispersal, with signs posted (BMC 10.55.100). A denied applicant can ask the city council for a hearing and carries the burden of proof (BMC 10.55.060).