Multnomah County, OR Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Covers
- 6 county-owned Willamette River bridges only
- Small parade exemption
- 200 or fewer, fully contained
- Apply by
- 30-45 days before the event
- Max penalty
- $500 civil fine per day
- River closures need
- U.S. Coast Guard consent
Summary
Parades, processions and other special events crossing Multnomah County's six Willamette River bridges, Broadway, Burnside, Hawthorne, Morrison, Sellwood and Sauvie Island, need a county special event permit for any closure; groups of 200 or fewer stay exempt if fully contained.
(A) Except as provided in this subchapter, a special event permit is required to stage and conduct a special event.
(B) No special event permit which requires the closure or use of the roadway or sidewalks on a bridge will be effective unless the sponsor obtains written authorization from the City of Portland or the state to close or use the city or state streets, highways, bike lanes, sidewalks or ramps as appropriate that directly access the bridge.
(C) It is unlawful for any person to promote or manage any pending special event for which a special event permit has not been issued, unless such person engaging in those activities clearly indicates in any advertising, promotional materials, media releases or any other similar communication whether oral, written, or visual, that the event is still pending approval by the county. (Ord. 1008, Added, 02/27/2003, eff. 03/29/2003)
Full Breakdown
Multnomah County owns and operates six Willamette River bridges, Broadway, Burnside, Hawthorne, Morrison, Sellwood and Sauvie Island, even where they land in Portland. Any parade, procession, athletic event or filming that closes a bridge sidewalk or vehicle lane needs a special event permit from the county's Transportation Program under Multnomah County Code § 29.704(A); permits require U.S. Coast Guard consent to halt river traffic, insurance, and Board of Commissioners approval for a complete closure. A parade of 200 or fewer people that stays fully contained and doesn't block public access is exempt. This covers only the six county bridges, not parades on Portland's own streets.
Violations & Fines
Promoting or holding an unpermitted special event on a county bridge is a civil violation under § 29.999, punishable by up to $500 per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small parade on a Multnomah County bridge?
Does this permit cover parades held in Portland generally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon special events & permits overview
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