Lee's Summit, MO Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

City Code § 29-451 makes it unlawful to initiate, contribute to, aid, form or start a parade or special event without a permit from the City of Lee's Summit, unless the event is a funeral procession or a government agency acting within the scope of its official functions. Section 29-451 also declares that a parade counts as a special event for purposes of the permit rule. Section 29-426 defines a parade as any parade, march, ceremony, show, exhibition, pageant or procession in which more than 10 persons or 3 motor vehicles act jointly to display themselves as a unit on a public street, not including sidewalks.

Applicants file with the Chief of Police on the City's forms under § 29-452, and the filing window is tight: not less than 120 hours nor more than 60 days before the parade date. If two groups apply for the same time and place, the earlier filing wins, except a 'traditional parade,' one held for at least 3 of the last 5 years, takes priority over any other application. The application must list the organizer, the parade chairperson, the date and hours, the route with starting and ending points, the approximate number of people, animals and vehicles, and any assembly area details.

The Chief of Police may issue the permit under § 29-453 after finding the route won't unreasonably disrupt regular traffic, won't require diverting so many officers that normal police protection suffers, and won't interfere with fire, police or ambulance service or firefighting equipment movement. Section 29-454 gives the Chief 5 days to act and notify the applicant, with reasons required if denied. A denied applicant has 10 days under § 29-455 to appeal in writing to the City Council, which must act within 25 days. Once issued, a permit can be revoked under § 29-456 for violating any standard or term of issuance.