Chesterfield County, VA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 3-62 makes it unlawful for any procession or parade to occupy, march or proceed along a street or highway right-of-way in the county without a permit from the chief of police, exempting only the armed forces, state military forces, county police, fire and rescue units, and funeral processions. Section 3-63 spells out the application: it must be filed in writing at least 60 days before the event and include the applicant's name and address, the names of organizing or sponsoring persons or organizations, a detailed description of the parade's nature, type and size, the proposed date, location, route and estimated duration, a crowd- and traffic-control plan that the chief of police alone judges for adequacy, and a statement that the applicant has also applied to VDOT for permission to use the route.

00 application fee accompanies the filing. Section 3-64 gives the chief 21 days to act; a permit cannot issue unless the article's requirements are met and the chief determines adequate crowd and traffic control can be provided. The chief may attach restrictions or conditions, may require a cash deposit sized to the estimated cost of additional police services the parade will need, and the applicant remains liable for the county's actual added costs regardless of any deposit. Denials must be written and mailed with reasons.

The chief can revoke a permit for noncompliance with the article or with permit conditions. Section 3-65 clarifies that a county permit does not substitute for any required VDOT permit or permission.