Nicholasville, KY Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 4, Sec. 4-3 (Ord. No. 051-2021, 8-23-21) regulates parades, festivals, races and street closures under one special event permit. Sec. 4-3.1 defines a race as a timed procession on foot, bike or other mode of transportation for a designated distance on an approved route, and sets a minimum pace of eighteen (18) minutes per mile for foot races, with the organizer providing a pacer. Sec. 4-3.2(b) exempts funeral processions and a governmental agency acting within the scope of its functions.

Applications go to the Director of General Government or a designee under Sec. 4-3.3. Except for January events, applications can be filed beginning January 1 for events during that calendar year, but dates are not reserved until permit fees have been received and permit applications are approved. The Director can approve up to three (3) separate events for one group during the calendar year, and later events are approved at the Director's discretion. City staff, community partners, and other regulatory entities review each application first, and their feedback can lead to rejection. When two applications create an overlap that is not manageable, the permit is issued first come, first serve. The application lists the sponsor, the event chairperson, the date, the route or location, the approximate number of persons, animals and vehicles, the hours, assembly areas, and a site plan. The fee is $100 for a special event permit, paid to the City of Nicholasville Finance Department.

Sec. 4-3.6 lists the standards for issuance. The Director issues the permit on findings that the event will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic, will not require so many police officers or ambulances that normal protection and service to the city suffer, and will not interfere with the movement of firefighting equipment en route to a fire. The event cannot be held for the sole purpose of advertising any product, goods or event, or purely for private profit. Proof of comprehensive liability insurance with limits of no less than $1,000,000 is required. Sec. 4-3.4 requires the permittee to cooperate with the Nicholasville Police Department on the security/emergency response plan, and the Chief of Police decides whether city police officers are used. Under Sec. 4-3.10, the chairperson or other person leading the activity carries the permit on his or her person during the event.