Elyria, OH Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Elyria Codified Ordinances § 311.02 requires a permit from the Mayor before any person, group or organization conducts or participates in a parade, procession or assemblage upon any street or highway, or blocks off any street or highway area. The permit is not limited to marching parades: the same permit covers a gathering in the roadway and a closure of a street area.

Applications are made on the forms prescribed and must contain the information reasonably necessary to a fair determination of whether a permit should be issued. Applications are filed not less than five days before the time intended for the parade, procession or assemblage.

The Mayor can refuse or cancel the permit on six grounds. First, the time, place, size or conduct of the parade, including assembly areas and the route of march, would unreasonably interfere with public convenience and the safe use of streets and highways. Second, it would require diverting so many police officers along the line of movement and assembly areas that normal police protection to the Municipality would be denied. Third, the route or assembly areas would unreasonably interfere with the movement of police vehicles, fire-fighting equipment or ambulance service to other areas. Fourth, it would unreasonably interfere with another parade for which a permit has been issued. Fifth, the application information is false, misleading or incomplete in any material detail. Sixth, an emergency such as a fire or storm would prevent the proper conduct of the parade.

The permit or any order accompanying it can limit or prescribe reasonable conditions, including the hours, the places of assembly and of dispersal, the route of march or travel, and the streets, highways or portions of them that can be used or occupied.