Shelby County, TN Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Shelby County Code Sec. 24-27 bars using public streets or highways for a pedestrian or vehicular procession that conflicts with traffic ordinances or would impede, hinder or obstruct normal traffic, unless the organizer gives the sheriff written notice not less than 72 hours nor more than 30 days before the procession begins. The notice must state the name, address and phone number of the person or organization responsible for the procession; the procession's start time, composition, specific route and starting and ending points; and the approximate number of persons, animals and vehicles expected, with a description of the animals and vehicles involved.

Subsection (b) exempts two categories outright: funeral processions traveling the most reasonable route from a funeral home, church or residence to the place of interment, and any governmental agency acting within the scope of its functions. Once notice is received, subsection (c) requires the sheriff or a designated agent to furnish written acknowledgment of receipt. If the sheriff finds the plan will unreasonably interfere with others' use of the streets as to time, route or composition under subsection (d), the sheriff can direct that the plan be adjusted, but any changed plan must reach the organizer at least 24 hours before the procession's proposed start.

Subsection (e) lets the sheriff route multiple same-day processions so they do not conflict with each other. Sec. 24-28 makes it separately unlawful to actually participate in a procession before complying with Sec. 24-27's notice requirement.