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

Sec. 1 requires a city manager permit before anyone engages in, participates in, aids, forms or starts a parade, defined broadly as any parade, march, ceremony, exhibition, pageant, procession or similar display on a public street; the permit must be carried by whoever heads or leads the activity. Funeral processions, students traveling to and from class under school supervision, and government agencies acting within their functions are exempt. Sec. 2 requires a written application at least 10 days before the event (Sec. 3, waivable for good cause) listing the organizer, sponsoring organization, parade chairman, date, route, assembly points, number of participants and vehicles, and hours.

The city manager must issue the permit if the parade won't substantially interrupt traffic, isn't likely to cause injury or disorder, won't divert too many police officers, won't unreasonably burden fire and police protection, moves without unreasonable delay, and isn't primarily commercial advertising or held for private profit (Sec. 4). The manager must act within five days and mail written reasons for any denial (Sec. 5), with a right to appeal to the city council within five days (Sec. 6). Permits can be revoked if conditions are violated or standards are no longer met (Sec. 9), and peddling within 150 feet of the parade route is separately barred (Sec. 10).