San Francisco, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Any person desiring to sponsor a parade on any street of the City and County of San Francisco, excluding streets on property under the jurisdiction of the Recreation and Park Commission, shall first obtain a permit therefor from the Chief of Police.

(b)   Written application for such permit should be made to the Special Events Unit at least 60 days in advance in order to insure timely appeal of a denial of the application. However, all applications for permits shall be processed by the Chief of Police so long as they are received at least 15 working days in advance of the proposed date of the event; provided, however, that when the proposed event designates a route which passes through a business district, extends over an area which involves more than five intersections (not including alleys), anticipates a number of participants exceeding 250, or requires the Municipal Railway to substantially alter passenger routes or schedules, the applicant shall apply at least 30 days in advance of the proposed date; provided, further, that the Chief of Police may grant a permit to an applicant who applies less than 15 working days in advance if the Chief of Police determines that the permit application requires no substantial investigation or preparation of the route, which determination shall not be subject to administrative review.

(c)   The time limitations prescribed above for the filing of a permit