Salem, OR Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

SRC 104.030 requires a community event permit whenever an activity or event, defined broadly at SRC 104.010 to include a parade, procession, march, assembly, or meeting, is expected to impede, obstruct, or interfere with free use of the public right-of-way, will not follow normal traffic laws, or draws 200 or more people onto public property. The application under SRC 104.050 needs a description of the event, the specific right-of-way or property to be used, dates and times including setup and teardown, and contact information, filed at least three business days ahead, or 20 business days if an arterial street closes.

SRC 104.060 sets an application fee by Council resolution, but waives it for an indigent person or organization where 51 percent or more of members qualify as indigent. The Director must approve the permit under SRC 104.070 if the event won't unreasonably burden City resources, block emergency vehicles, or create a safety or traffic hazard, and content or viewpoint can never factor into the decision. SRC 104.080 lets the Director deny or revoke a permit for false statements, missing information, or unmet criteria, with written notice of the reason within 24 hours; a denied or revoked applicant can appeal to the Municipal Court within five business days under SRC 104.090.

Permit holders must sign an indemnity agreement under 104.100 and generally carry liability insurance of at least $2,000,000 or the Oregon Tort Claims Act limit, whichever is greater, under 104.110, though the City's Risk Manager can waive insurance for a low-risk, one-day event.