Trenton, NJ Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 176 defines a parade as any assemblage of 25 or more persons in an organized procession of any duration along a public street or highway, following a certain route, and bars anyone from engaging in, forming or starting one without a Police Director permit under § 176-1. on Sunday, except a religious procession. Section 176-2 exempts funeral processions, supervised school activities, and governmental agencies acting within their functions. Under § 176-3, as amended by Ordinance No. 25-146 (effective 12-2-2025), applications go to the Department of Recreation, Natural Resources and Culture, must be filed at least six weeks before the parade date, must name a responsible parade Chairperson, the route, start and end points, approximate participant and vehicle count, and assembly-area locations, and carry a $25 fee due at filing.

The Police Director may accept late applications filed less than five days out for good cause (§ 176-3D) and must act on applications within three days, mailing a denial notice with reasons or offering an alternate date, time or route (§ 176-4). Permittees must carry their permit during the parade (§ 176-5), and the Police Director can post signs restricting parking along the route (§ 176-8).