Los Angeles, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Lead time recommended
- 40 days before the event
- Minimum filing deadline
- 5 days before the event (waivable)
- Permit authority
- Board of Police Commissioners (LAPD processes)
- Application fee
- Nonrefundable; amount set by City Council resolution
- Exemptions
- Athletic Events (governed by LAMC § 41.20), funeral processions, official governmental motorcades
- Free-speech waiver
- 5-day deadline waived when event arose too quickly for timely filing
Summary
No person may conduct, manage, or sponsor a parade or assembly in Los Angeles without a written permit from the Board of Police Commissioners. Applications should be submitted at least 40 days in advance, but the Board must act on any application received at least 5 days before the event.
(c) Permit Required. No person shall conduct, manage or sponsor any Parade or Assembly without a written permit from the Board. No person shall participate in any Parade or Assembly with the knowledge that its sponsor has not been issued the required permit.
(d) Interference with Event. No person shall knowingly join or participate in any Parade or Assembly conducted under permit from the Board in violation of any of the terms of the permit...
(e) Application for Permit.
1. Submission of Application.
A. Written applications for permits should be submitted to the Department at least 40 days prior to the date of the requested Event. However, all applications for permits shall be acted upon by the Department and the Board so long as they are received by the Department not less than five days before the date of the requested Event. The five-day time limitation shall be waived by the Designated Police Commissioner if the occurrence giving rise to the permit application did not reasonably allow the applicant time to file within the time prescribed, and imposition of the time limitation would place an unreasonable restriction on the right to free speech.
C. Applications shall be submitted no more than six months before the Event date.
Full Breakdown
The ordinance defines 'Parade' as any march or procession upon public streets not complying with traffic regulations, and 'Assembly' as any stationary gathering for Expressive Activity. Applications must include the exact route, start/end times, estimated participants, sound amplification equipment descriptions, cleanup plans, and parking contingencies. The 5-day minimum filing deadline may be waived by the Designated Police Commissioner when the occurrence did not reasonably allow timely filing and imposing the deadline would restrict free speech. Multiple city agencies, including LAPD, Fire, Transportation, and the Mayor's Office of Special Events, are notified upon receipt of a complete application.
Violations & Fines
No specific fine is listed in § 103.111. Participating in a permitted event in violation of permit terms, or joining without the sponsor's consent, is prohibited. General LAMC enforcement applies; permit may be denied if complete application is not received at least 5 days before the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to apply for a parade permit in LA?
Is a permit required for a block party or street festival?
What information must be included in a parade permit application?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles 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.