Southfield, MI Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 121 (SS 9.361-9.372) regulates any "outdoor assembly": an event with more than 5,000 attendants that includes a theatrical exhibition such as a musical or rock festival, unless it is run by a government agency on public land, sponsored by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or held entirely inside an enclosed structure. Section 9.363 bars anyone from sponsoring, operating, maintaining, conducting or promoting such an assembly without first obtaining a license. Section 9.364 requires a written application filed with the city clerk at least sixty days before the event, accompanied by a nonrefundable $100.00 fee, the identities of all organizers, proof of site ownership or the owner's consent, the dates and hours, and an estimate of maximum attendance.

Section 9.365 adds detailed plans for police and fire protection, food and water supply, sanitation, medical services, parking, camping, lighting, communications, noise control and cleanup. Under Section 9.366, the clerk routes the application to police, health and fire officials and the state fire marshal for a 20-day review, and Section 9.367 gives the city council thirty days to issue, condition, or deny the license, with written notice mailed within five days of any denial or condition. Section 9.370 sets minimum conditions the council must impose: adequate security personnel, potable water and restroom ratios tied to expected crowd size, one parking space per four attendants, public liability insurance of at least $300,000.00 and property damage coverage of at least $50,000.00, and a $100,000.00 corporate surety bond.

Section 9.371 lets the council revoke a license for noncompliance, and Section 9.372 makes operating without a license, creating a nuisance, or permitting illegal liquor or drug use on the grounds separate criminal violations.