Compton, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

1 defines a 'motorcade' as an organized procession of 25 or more vehicles (except funeral processions) and a 'parade' as any march or procession of people, animals or vehicles that doesn't comply with normal traffic controls. A permit from the Chief of Police, or the City Council for larger events, is required before conducting or knowingly participating in one, and permits can't be issued for a parade or motorcade held solely to advertise a product or event for private profit. Applicants must apply to the City Council at least 30 days ahead, providing the applicant's and sponsoring organization's contact information, the purpose, date, assembly and disbanding locations, route, and a description of floats, marching units and any sound-amplification equipment.

The Council must issue the permit conditioned on written agreement to its terms unless it finds the parade's time, route or size would unreasonably disrupt traffic, or that policing it would divert so many officers that the City's overall police protection would be compromised. An issued permit fixes the assembly and disbanding times, minimum and maximum speeds, route, unit spacing and length, monitor staffing, sign and float material (floats must use fire-retardant materials subject to Fire Chief approval), and requires the permittee to notify all participants of the permit's terms in advance.

Copies go to the Mayor, City Attorney, City Manager, Police Chief, Fire Chief, and the Directors of General Services and Public Works, and the City Council, City Manager or Chief of Police can summarily revoke the permit during a disaster, riot or other emergency by written notice.