Chatham County, GA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

The ordinance, adopted March 12, 2004 as Article IV of Code Chapter 18, defines a "parade" as any march, demonstration, procession or motorcade that interferes with the normal flow of traffic, and a "public assembly" as any meeting, demonstration, picket line, rally or gathering for a common purpose that interferes with pedestrian or vehicular traffic or occupies public area open to the general public (§18-401). Section 18-402 makes it unlawful to conduct either without first getting a permit from the County Manager, issued only after a recommendation from the Chief of the Savannah/Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.

Applications (§18-404) must be filed with the County Manager at least 10 days before the event and must disclose the applicant's identity, expected attendance, dates, hours, route or location, use of sound amplification or lighting, temporary structures, vehicles, and safety/sanitation staffing plans, plus a signed indemnification and hold-harmless agreement protecting the County. If amplified sound will be used, a separate Noise Control permit under Chapter 24, Article III is also required.

The County Manager must approve or deny within 10 working days (§18-405), and can deny for reasons including incomplete applications, unpaid prior damages, or a plan that would unreasonably congest public roads or endanger participants. A denied applicant has 5 calendar days to appeal in writing by certified mail; the appeal goes to a Hearing Officer, who is the on-duty Recorder's Court Judge, for a hearing within 7 days and a written decision within 7 days after that (§18-406). The County Manager retains authority to halt or terminate an event mid-course if conditions turn dangerous (§18-408). Funeral processions, school activities, county-sponsored events, casual park use, and government agencies acting within their functions are exempt (§18-403).