Kirkland, WA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- Special projects coordinator
- Governing section
- KMC 19.24.020
- Application deadline
- At least 5 months before the event
- Arterial closure restriction
- Barred 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. weekdays
- Max duration
- 3 consecutive days without director approval
- Penalty
- $250 civil infraction per day
Summary
Parades in Kirkland fall under the special event permit chapter, KMC 19.24. Anyone conducting or promoting a parade must first get a permit from the special projects coordinator, and holding one without a permit is unlawful, punishable as a $250-per-day civil infraction under 19.24.310.
(a) Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, any person or entity who conducts, promotes, or manages a special event shall first obtain a special event permit from the special projects coordinator. (b) It is unlawful to conduct or manage a special event without a special event permit as required pursuant to this chapter. (c) It is unlawful for any person to promote any special event for which initial approval has not been obtained from the city.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4945, passed July 21, 2026).
Full Breakdown
010(17) defines 'special event' to expressly include a parade held in whole or part on public property or rights-of-way that closes or limits use of streets, sidewalks, or parking. 020 requires any person or entity who conducts, promotes, or manages such an event to first obtain a special event permit, and makes it unlawful both to conduct one without a permit and to promote one before initial city approval. 060, must be filed at least five months before the event (an interest form can be submitted up to thirteen months out to reserve a date and venue). , cannot divert police from normal duties, and must move from assembly to disbanding point without stopping en route. m. 160 unless waived.
Violations & Fines
Holding or promoting a parade without a required special event permit is unlawful under 19.24.310(c) and is treated as an unauthorized event; the city may grant a retroactive permit but charges an added unauthorized-event fee on top of standard permit fees. Any violation of Chapter 19.24, including breach of permit conditions, is a civil infraction punishable by a $250 fine per violation, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense, plus the organizer's liability for the city's actual enforcement costs. Appeals of a denial, condition, or revocation go to the special projects coordinator within seven calendar days, with the city manager issuing a written decision within about ten business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Kirkland?
How far in advance must I apply for a Kirkland parade permit?
Can a parade close an arterial street during rush hour?
What's the penalty for running an unpermitted parade?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kirkland
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle parade permits.