Los Angeles County, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- County Sheriff
- Application deadline
- 15 days before event
- Sheriff decision window
- 10 days after filing
- Appeal window
- 5 days to Board of Supervisors
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, anyone organizing a parade, running race, or bicycle event on a public highway must get a Sheriff's permit filed at least 15 days ahead, per County Code Chapter 15.88.
A person shall not conduct, manage or participate in any parade, running event, or bicycle event unless he first procures from the sheriff a permit so to do. ... Any person desiring to conduct or manage a parade, running event, or bicycle event shall, not less than 15 days before the date on which it is proposed to conduct such a parade, running event, or bicycle event, file with the county sheriff a verified application on a form furnished by the sheriff, setting forth the following information:
Full Breakdown
Organizers must file a verified application with the County Sheriff at least 15 days before the event, listing the route, start/end points, times, and expected number of participants (County Code § 15.88.040). The Sheriff must act within 10 days and issues the permit unless the event would substantially disrupt traffic, overtax deputy staffing, block fire or ambulance access, or endanger persons or property (§ 15.88.050). Denials can be appealed to the Board of Supervisors within five days (§ 15.88.090). The Sheriff has authority to close the designated route to normal traffic for the event's duration (§ 15.88.120) and can revoke a permit for public-safety emergencies (§ 15.88.110). Violations are misdemeanors.
Violations & Fines
Conducting, managing, or participating in an unpermitted parade, running event, or bicycle event in unincorporated LA County is a misdemeanor: up to $500 in fines, six months in county jail, or both (County Code § 15.88.130).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues parade permits in unincorporated LA County?
Can the Sheriff deny a parade permit?
What's the penalty for an unpermitted parade?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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