San Bernardino, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SBMC § 10.24.140
- Permit issuer
- Chief of Police
- Exempt groups
- Funeral, military, city police/fire
- Old chapter repealed
- Ch. 12.56, by Ord. MC-1414, 2015
Summary
No parade or procession may occupy or march along a San Bernardino street without a permit issued by the Chief of Police under SBMC § 10.24.140. Funeral processions and the military and city police/fire forces are exempted; the old standalone parades chapter was repealed in 2015.
It is unlawful for any person or organization to permit, direct or allow any procession or parade to occupy, march or proceed along any street except in accordance with a permit issued by the Chief of Police, or his or her representative, and such other regulations as are set forth in this article which may apply, except funeral processions, the military forces of the United States, the military forces of this state and the forces of the City Police and Fire Departments.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
140 makes it unlawful for any person or organization to permit, direct or allow a procession or parade to occupy, march or proceed along any city street except under a permit issued by the Chief of Police or his or her representative, together with whatever other traffic-article regulations apply. The section exempts funeral processions, the military forces of the United States, the military forces of California, and the forces of the city's own Police and Fire Departments from the permit requirement. 56, was repealed in its entirety by Ord.
140. 060 making it unlawful to drive between the vehicles of a funeral procession or other authorized procession once it is under way, protecting a permitted parade from being broken up by cross-traffic. 040, are enforceable as permit conditions rather than as separate ordinances.
Violations & Fines
Marching or driving a procession or parade along a city street without the Chief of Police's permit is an infraction, punishable under the citywide schedule in SBMC § 1.12.010: up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year and $500 for a third, with a fourth violation in 12 months charged as a misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a parade in San Bernardino?
Is there a separate parades ordinance I should look for?
Are funeral processions exempt from the parade permit rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
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Parade Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle parade permits.