Long Beach, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- City Manager, 5.60.020
- Application window
- 60 days to 1 year ahead
- Triggers permit
- 75+ person gathering or parade
- Decision deadline
- 30 days after complete application
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, 5.60.110
Summary
Long Beach requires a written permit from the City Manager before anyone holds a parade, demonstration, or other special event on city streets, sidewalks, parks, or piers. Municipal Code Section 5.60.020 covers formations of any size and gatherings of 75 or more people.
Except as provided by the terms of a permit, lease or contract which has been specifically authorized by the City Council, no person shall conduct or cause to be conducted, participate or engage in, hold, manage, permit or allow another to conduct a special event, in, on or upon any City street, sidewalk, alley, park, way, pier, public place, public property or public right-of-way which is owned or controlled by the City without first having obtained a written permit from the City Manager.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 52 Update 1 | City Charter: Supplement 5).
Full Breakdown
010(H) defines 'special event' broadly to include any parade, procession, demonstration or assembly that doesn't comply with normal traffic controls, plus any gathering of 75 or more people at a public place, and it lists parades, concerts, festivals, marathons and community celebrations as examples. 050(A). 040(I), including that the event won't unreasonably interfere with traffic, public safety response, or another already-permitted event. 030, including licensed funeral processions and government agency activities. 120(A).
Violations & Fines
Conducting a special event without the required permit, or obstructing a permitted one, violates Chapter 5.60. Section 5.60.110 makes any intentional violation of the chapter a misdemeanor, and Section 5.60.100 separately bars anyone from obstructing, impeding, or interfering with an authorized event once its permit has issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in Long Beach?
How far in advance must I apply for a Long Beach special event permit?
What size gathering needs a special event permit in Long Beach?
Can I appeal if Long Beach denies my special event permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Long Beach
California rules heatmap·Compare Long Beach to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle parade permits.