Gastonia, NC Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Article III of Chapter 7 defines "the event" broadly, at § 7-36, to cover street fairs, festivals, carnivals, parades, marches, rallies, demonstrations, and any other activity that closes or substantially obstructs a street or right-of-way, or hinders normal traffic flow. § 7-37 makes it unlawful to run, operate or sponsor any such event without a permit, and violating that requirement is a misdemeanor. Under § 7-38, the application must name the sponsoring organization and the individual in charge, the proposed date and time, a sketch map showing the event area, streets to be closed, traffic control devices, concession stands and any fences, stands, platforms or bleachers, the expected attendance, any requested city services or street closures, and proof of liability insurance. § 7-39 routes the application to the police chief, fire chief and public works director for comment before approval. § 7-40 lets the administrator require a liability policy naming the city as an additional insured, with minimum limits of $50,000 per occurrence for property damage and $100,000 per person / $300,000 per occurrence for bodily injury or death. § 7-42 lets the administrator deny a permit if policing the event would leave the rest of the city under-protected, if it would block emergency vehicle access, if the applicant lacks required permits or licenses, if it would severely hardship adjacent property owners, or if it would unreasonably disrupt traffic; a denial or added condition can be appealed in writing to the city council within three days. § 7-43 requires a council resolution, after published notice, before a street can be closed more than 12 hours without unanimous abutting-owner sign-off, and § 7-44 makes the event sponsor responsible for cleanup and can require a cleanup bond.