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Whittier, CA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
WMC Chapter 12.12
Permit issuer
parking and transportation commission
Application must include
route, times, organizers, purpose
Appeal window
20 days after denial
Appeal body
city council

Summary

Whittier requires a written permit from the parking and transportation commission before anyone may hold a parade, march or procession, or play drums, gongs or wind instruments, on any public street or alley in the city.

No person, firm, corporation or association shall hold, conduct, manage, participate in or carry on any parade, march or procession on any public street or alley in the city or beat any drum, gong, triangle or tambourine, or blow, use or play and wind or stringed musical instrument upon any public street or alley in the city unless such person, firm, corporation or association has first made a written application for and received from the parking and transportation commission of the city a permit, in writing, authorizing the person, firm, corporation or association so to do.

Full Breakdown

010(A) bars any person, firm, corporation or association from holding, conducting, managing, participating in or carrying on a parade, march or procession on a public street or alley, or from beating a drum, gong, triangle or tambourine, or playing a wind or stringed instrument on a public street or alley, without first obtaining a written permit from the parking and transportation commission. Applications must state the proposed route, the starting and ending times, the names of persons in control or responsible for the event, its purpose, the general character of the parade and its marching units, and any other information the commission requires on its application form (subsection B).

020, the commission may grant or deny the permit and attach terms and conditions it deems advisable to protect public peace, health and safety, and it must formulate written rules within thirty days of the ordinance's passage, filing copies with the city council, police chief, county fire chief and city clerk. 030 requires the commission to send its decision to the applicant, and, if granted, file copies of the permit with the city clerk, police chief and county fire chief. 040).

Violations & Fines

Holding or participating in a parade, march or procession on a Whittier public street or alley, or playing the specified instruments there, without a permit issued under 12.12.010, is a violation of Chapter 12.12 enforceable under the code's general penalty provisions for Title 12 street-use offenses, citable by the Whittier Police Department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who approves parade permits in Whittier?
The parking and transportation commission, per WMC 12.12.010(A). The commission can grant a permit on whatever terms it deems necessary to protect public peace, health and safety, under 12.12.020.
What if my Whittier parade permit is denied?
You can appeal to the city council by filing a written notice of appeal within twenty days of the denial, per WMC 12.12.040. The appeal is heard at the next regular council meeting, and the council can grant, deny, or modify the permit.
Do I need a permit just to play drums on a Whittier street?
Yes if it's on a public street or alley: WMC 12.12.010(A) requires a written permit from the parking and transportation commission before beating a drum, gong, triangle or tambourine, or playing a wind or stringed instrument there.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Whittier

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