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

Owensboro Municipal Code Article VI, Division 2 governs parades citywide. Sec. 25-206 makes it unlawful to engage in, participate in, aid, form or start any parade without a permit issued by the chief of police. Sec. 25-207 requires an application filed with the chief at least fourteen days before the event, listing the organizer, sponsoring organization, parade chairman, date, route, starting and ending points, expected number of people, animals and vehicles, start and end times, assembly points and spacing between units; the chief may waive the fourteen-day window for good cause shown.

Sec. 25-208 sets the filing fee at $2.00. Sec. 25-209 lets the chief deny a permit only on specific findings: the parade would substantially interrupt traffic, divert too many officers or ambulances from normal coverage, interfere with fire protection, or is reasonably likely to cause injury or provoke a disturbance. Sec. 25-210 requires the chief to act within three days and mail a written denial with reasons within five days of filing. Sec. 25-211 lets the chief offer an alternate date, time or route instead of an outright denial.

Sec. 25-215 lets an aggrieved applicant appeal a denial to the board of commissioners within five days, with a decision due within fourteen days. Sec. 25-193 exempts funeral processions, supervised school activities and government agencies from the permit requirement entirely.