San Rafael, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting agency
- San Rafael Police Department
- Parade application deadline
- 90 days in advance
- March/assembly deadline
- 7 days in advance
- Notice of decision
- within 10 days of application
- Appeal window
- 2 days to city clerk
Summary
San Rafael requires an event permit from the police department for any parade, march or assembly on a city street, sidewalk or right-of-way that would impede traffic or bypass normal traffic controls.
...an event permit shall be required to be obtained from the San Rafael Police Department for the following activities: A. A parade, procession, march or assembly consisting of persons, animals, vehicles, or any other combination thereof, which is to assemble or travel in unison on any public street, highway, alley, sidewalk or other city-designated public right-of-way and which either: (1) may impede, obstruct, impair or interfere with the free use of such public street, highway, alley, sidewalk, or other public way owned, controlled or maintained by the city...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Under SRMC § 19.30.020, organizers of a parade, procession, march or assembly of persons, animals or vehicles that may impede, obstruct or interfere with free use of a San Rafael public street, highway, alley, sidewalk or right-of-way, or that departs from normal traffic controls, must get an event permit from the San Rafael Police Department. Parade applications are due at least 90 days in advance; march or assembly applications, at least 7 days (§ 19.30.040). The chief of police must issue the permit once statutory findings on traffic flow, police staffing, and emergency access are met (§ 19.30.050), and permittees must sign a hold-harmless agreement and carry insurance (§ 19.30.060). Spontaneous expressive activity and small gatherings fall under Chapter 19.40 instead, not this chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violating permit conditions or holding an unpermitted parade is a public nuisance, enforceable under SRMC Chapters 1.40, 1.42, 1.44 and 1.46; the chief of police may also revoke a noncompliant permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small protest march in San Rafael?
How far ahead must I apply for a parade permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
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