Charleston, WV Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Chief of police or city council
- Citation
- Sec. 114-16, Code of Ordinances
- Route restriction
- Cannot pass central fire station
- Penalty
- $10-$500 fine, up to 30 days jail
- Exempt groups
- Armed forces, police/fire units, funerals
Summary
Charleston requires a permit from the police chief or city council before any parade or procession occupies a public street, and no route can pass the central fire station.
No procession or parade, excepting components of the armed forces of the United States or of this state, and the forces of the police and fire departments, and funeral processions, shall occupy, march or proceed along any street or highway except in accordance with a permit issued by the chief of police or the city council and such other regulations as are set forth in this section which may apply; however, under no circumstances shall any parade or procession be routed so as to pass the central fire station.
(Code 1975, § 31-16)
Cross reference— Streets, sidewalks and other public places, ch. 102.
State Law reference— Authority to regulate or prohibit processions, W. Va. Code § 17C-2-8(a)(3).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
City Code Sec. 114-16 bars any procession or parade from occupying, marching, or proceeding along a Charleston street or highway without a permit issued by the chief of police or city council. The rule exempts U.S. or state armed forces, police and fire department units, and funeral processions. No matter what route organizers request, the parade or procession cannot be routed past the central fire station. Violating any Code provision carries a fine of $10 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, under the citywide general penalty at Sec. 1-8.
Violations & Fines
Fine of $10 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, under the citywide general penalty in Sec. 1-8; each day of a continuing violation counts separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Charleston, WV?
Are funerals exempt from Charleston's parade permit rule?
Can a parade route pass Charleston's central fire station?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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