Novato, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Section 15-3.4 of the Novato Municipal Code requires a special event permit from the chief of police for any parade, athletic event or other special event in the city. Three things are exempt: events held exclusively on city property under the parks and recreation department, which Chapter X governs; funeral processions; and parades of 40 or fewer pedestrians who march only on sidewalks, cross streets only at crosswalks, and cross in units of 15 or less. Section 15-3.3 requires the applicant to be 18 years of age or older and counts a street fair, carnival, block party, soap box derby or rally on a street as an other special event.

Apply with a verified application and a nonrefundable fee set by city council resolution (15-3.5). For a route the chief of police pre-established, or a free speech route, file not less than 22 days nor more than 90 days before the event. Every other application is due not less than 30 days nor more than 90 days ahead, and a late filing gets consideration on good cause. The chief acts within ten days on pre-established or free speech routes and within 15 days on all others (15-3.7).

The chief approves unless a listed ground applies (15-3.8), such as false information, a conflicting event, a route that will not move from origin to termination in three hours or less, or noise that would substantially disrupt a school in session. Fixable problems get conditional approval. Section 15-3.13 requires liability insurance of $250,000 each person and $500,000 each occurrence for bodily injury plus $100,000 property damage, or $600,000 combined single limit, with $500,000 endorsements for products liability when food or nonalcoholic beverages are sold or served and for liquor liability when alcohol is. The certificate goes to the assistant city manager at least five days ahead. Applicants prepay police traffic control fees (15-3.14), and food, structures, large animals or water aid stations require a cleanup deposit (15-3.15). A block party permit can be conditioned on approval by 50 percent of the residents of dwellings along the street (15-3.9). Appeals go to the city clerk within five days, and the city council decision is final (15-3.10).