Garland, TX Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issued by
- Building Official
- Filing deadline
- At least 45 days before the event
- Max permit duration
- 14 consecutive days per permit
- Parking requirement
- Attendance capacity plus 10% surplus
- City service deposit
- 50% due 5 days before event
- Appeal path
- City Manager, after certified-mail notice
- Fine for no permit
- Up to $500 under § 10.05
Summary
Garland requires a special event permit from the Building Official before anyone holds a parade, marathon, walk-a-thon, bike race, or festival that closes a public street, blocks public property, or sets up tents, stages, or portable toilets. The application, filed at least 45 days ahead with a nonrefundable fee, triggers review by every affected City department.
Special event means a temporary event or gathering, including but not limited to parades, bike races, marathons, walk-a-thons, or other types of races and festivals, using either private or public property or both, and which involves one or more of the following activities: (a) Closing a public street; (b) Blocking or restriction of public property; ... (g) Placement of temporary no-parking signs in a public right-of-way. ... A person desiring to hold a special event shall apply for a special event permit by filing with the Building Official a written application upon a form provided for that purpose. A nonrefundable fee as specified in section 30.301 of this chapter must accompany each application. An application for a special event must be filed not less than forty-five (45) days before the special event is to begin.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4862189; v40 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
214(A)-(B)). 214(D)-(E)). 214(F)). 215 applies: a conflicting permit already granted for the same time and place, occupying a freeway or tollway, unreasonable disruption of traffic with no rerouting option, a false statement on the application, failure to obtain other required licenses, or unpaid costs from a past special event. 216). 217).
Violations & Fines
Holding or conducting a special event, parade, or demonstration without a permit, or violating any permit condition or article requirement, is a strict-liability offense under § 30.218: no culpable mental state is required for conviction. Because Article XI does not set its own fine, the City Code's general penalty in § 10.05 applies, capping the fine at $500 per violation for offenses outside the fire-safety, zoning, and health categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead must I apply for a Garland special event permit?
What can get my Garland special event permit denied?
Do Garland parades need police and barricade coverage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Garland to another location·View the Texas special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dallas County handle parade permits.