Dakota County, MN Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Ordinance No. 10 requires a Special Use Permit (SUP) for all public assemblies held in county park land, and specifically lists parades among the covered activities alongside public meetings, worship services, entertainment, ceremonies, demonstrations, and other gatherings related to First Amendment rights. 2, which requires a permit for any use expected to draw fifty or more people or that could have a detrimental effect on park property or other users. 2, SUPs are issued by the Park Director or a designee, are non-transferable, and require the permittee or a designated representative to be present at all times with the permit available to show county staff or a peace officer on request.

Public assemblies under a SUP may not block other park users, park structures, or pedestrian entrances and exits, and must follow the terms and conditions the Park Director attaches to the permit. The county reserves the right to apply a sliding permit fee scale tied to the expected number of attendees, so a small ceremony and a large parade are not necessarily charged the same rate. A SUP can be revoked if the permittee or an associated individual violates any permit term, state statute, county ordinance, or park rule, and the permittee is liable for any property damage or injury caused by their own negligence or that of people associated with the event.