Hillsboro, OR Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

HMC 8.16.010 requires any procession or parade to occupy, march or proceed along Hillsboro streets in accordance with a special event permit issued under HMC 9.36, the City's special-event chapter. Three categories are exempt outright: a funeral procession escorted by at least one person the Manager has authorized to direct traffic, following a Manager-established route; the United States armed forces; and state military forces.

Once a procession is underway, HMC 8.16.020 requires each vehicle in it to drive in the furthest right-hand traffic lane, except when approaching a left turn, and to follow the vehicle ahead as closely as is practical and safe. HMC 8.16.030 then protects the procession itself: no vehicle other than an emergency vehicle may cross through a procession or parade, except where traffic is controlled by signals or a law enforcement officer directs otherwise.

The permit process behind all of this sits in HMC 9.36. Applications generally have to reach the Manager at least 60 days before the event, or 90 days if the permit is meant to cover more than one substantially similar recurring event, under HMC 9.36.040(A) and (C); the Manager can accept a shorter window if reviewing it won't unduly burden City staff and resources. The Manager then has up to 15 business days to act, extendable by another 15 for complex applications, under HMC 9.36.050(A). If the Manager denies a permit, HMC 9.36.070 lists the grounds: incomplete application, a scheduling conflict, an unproven right to use the location, a public-safety issue or a demonstrated unwillingness to follow the rules; and HMC 9.36.080 gives the applicant 7 business days to file a written appeal with the City Recorder. The Council then has 21 days to decide, and its decision is final except by writ of review.