Manchester, NH Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Approving official
- Chief of Police or designee
- Required sign-offs
- Highway, Fire, City Clerk
- Appeal deadline
- 48 hours, in writing
- Appeal decision window
- 30 days
- Covers
- Parades, road races, motorcades, walk-a-thons
Summary
Parades, road races, motorcades and walk-a-thons in Manchester need Police Chief authorization plus Highway, Fire and City Clerk sign-off before stepping off.
All other processions, including but not limited to, parades, road races, motorcades, and walk-a-thons must be authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee, must meet the requirements of this section, and must have a sign-off from the departments of Highway, Fire, and the City Clerk. The Chief of Police may place restrictions on the permit. The Chief of Police or his designee should inform members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen of his decision.
(D) If any person or organization is denied a permit under (C) above, such person or organization may appeal the denial to the Committee on Traffic and Public Safety. Such appeal must be submitted in writing to the Office of the City Clerk within 48 hours of receipt of denial. The Committee on Traffic and Public Safety shall reach a decision within 30 days of receiving said request to appeal. (Ord. passed 8-6-02)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).
Full Breakdown
Manchester City Code § 70.17(C) requires that any procession other than a funeral, including parades, road races, motorcades and walk-a-thons, be authorized by the Chief of Police or his designee. The organizer must meet the section's requirements and secure sign-off from the Highway Department, Fire Department, and City Clerk. The Chief of Police may attach restrictions to the permit and reports the decision to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Vehicles in an authorized procession must be conspicuously marked and run with headlights on; other drivers may not cut between procession vehicles while it is moving.
Violations & Fines
A denied applicant may appeal in writing to the Office of the City Clerk within 48 hours of the denial; the Committee on Traffic and Public Safety must decide the appeal within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a parade permit in Manchester?
What if my parade permit is denied?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Manchester
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle parade permits.