Mesa, AZ Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Mesa City Code Title 9, Chapter 4, Parade Regulations, makes it unlawful under Section 9-4-1 to engage in, participate in, aid, form, or start a parade on any public street or park without a Parade Permit from the Chief of Police. The Code defines "parade" broadly to include any organized procession, march, public walk, or promenade for display, plus distance runs and bicycle races. Funeral processions, supervised school activities, and government agencies acting within their functions are exempt. Section 9-4-2 requires the application to be filed with the Chief of Police at least 30 days before the event and to disclose the organizer's contact information, the route, starting and assembly points, the number of participants and vehicles, and the hours of the parade.

Applicants must also carry public liability and property damage insurance of at least $1,000,000 naming the City as an additional insured, and must sign a hold-harmless form indemnifying the City. Section 9-4-4 lets the Chief issue the permit only after finding the parade will not substantially disrupt traffic, drain police or ambulance resources, interfere with firefighting access, or provoke disorderly conduct. The Chief must act within five days and, under Section 9-4-5, must mail written reasons for any denial; Section 9-4-6 lets an aggrieved applicant appeal that denial to the City Council within five days.

Once issued, the permit under Section 9-4-8 fixes the parade's starting time, speed limits, spacing between units, streets covered, and maximum length, and Section 9-4-11 authorizes the Chief to revoke the permit if the standards for issuance are no longer met.