Bozeman, MT Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- City manager
- Filing window, single event
- At least 15 working days, not more than 180 days ahead
- Filing window, recurring events
- At least 60 days, not more than 180 days ahead
- Public assembly threshold
- Gathering of 75 or more persons
- Insurance minimums
- $750,000.00 per claimant, $1,500,000.00 per occurrence
- Decision timeline
- Within 15 working days after application is complete
Summary
In the City of Bozeman, Montana, no one can conduct a parade or public assembly, or use a public facility or right-of-way for non-governmental purposes, without a valid permit from the city manager. Applications are due at least 15 working days before a one-time event, and insurance of $750,000.00 per claimant and $1,500,000.00 per occurrence is the target coverage.
A.This article shall be administered by the city manager.B.Except as provided in this article, no person shall engage in or conduct any parade or public assembly or use any public facility, including public rights-of-way, for purposes other than governmental operations unless a person has a current and valid permit therefor issued in accordance with this article.
Full Breakdown
Article 8 of Chapter 34 sets the permit system, and § 34.08.040 makes the city manager the administrator. A public assembly means any meeting, march, demonstration, picket line, rally or gathering of 75 or more persons for a common purpose as a result of prior planning that affects or can reasonably be expected to affect the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic. A parade includes any march, procession or motorcade of persons, animals, bicycles, runners, joggers, walkers or vehicles. Exempt events include funeral processions, school-supervised student activities, government agencies, and spontaneous events tied to news that became public within three days, provided the organizer gives written notice at least 24 hours ahead.
Reserved use of parks falls under chapter 26, article 2 instead (§ 34.08.050). For a single, nonrecurring event, the application goes to the city manager at least 15 working days and not more than 180 days before the start, and recurring events need filing at least 60 days and not more than 180 days ahead, with a separate application fee for each occurrence (§ 34.08.080). Any event with a street closure needs a traffic control plan that complies with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, and automobiles, trucks or other large, heavy objects are not acceptable barricades (§ 34.08.090).
Section 34.08.070 requires commercial general liability insurance naming the city, its officers and employees as additional insureds, in minimum amounts of $750,000.00 per claimant and $1,500,000.00 per occurrence to the extent reasonably possible, plus a written indemnity. Within five working days the city manager checks completeness, and action follows within 15 working days after that (§ 34.08.150). Requests for closure of any part of Main Street must show a nexus between the event and the need for Main Street (§ 34.08.140). Parade signs must be cloth, paper or cardboard, and no participant can throw candy or trinkets from a moving vehicle (§ 34.08.220).
Violations & Fines
The article prints no fine schedule. Section 34.08.220 makes it unlawful to run a parade or public assembly that needs a permit without one, to take part knowing no permit was granted, to deviate from the approved route, or to fail to comply with a permit condition. The city manager, chief of police and fire chief can each revoke or suspend a permit instantly, and § 34.08.250 allows enforcement by injunction, restraining order or declaratory relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a public assembly permit needed in Bozeman?
How far ahead must I apply for a parade permit?
Can a last-minute protest go ahead without a permit?
Can I appeal a denied parade permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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