Local Ordinances and Parade Permits

 Yesterday was an excellent day for a parade – wonderful weather and a great reason to celebrate! All of the festivities made for a very quiet day in the library, which gave one law librarian time to ponder, what does one have to do to hold a parade in Cleveland?

Holding a parade seems like something that would fall under local control. Conveniently, the Law Library has a research guide about Local Government. Article 18 of the Ohio Constitution confers authority on municipalities to exercise powers of local self-government, see Sections 3 and 7. According to the guide, Cleveland’s City Charter and Ordinances can be found on the City Council’s website. A quick search returns several results, the most relevant being 411.05 Parade Permits and Fees. Basically, an application must be filed in advance with the Office of Special Events and Marketing, the permit must be obtained, and a fee paid. There are a few exceptions to the permit requirement, dealing with spontaneity and whether the event will refrain from blocking streets and sidewalks.

Scoff if you will, but these rules may be an issue in just a few short weeks. For the upcoming convention, protests are referred to as “parades” and groups must apply to speak at the “official speakers platform,” set up tables or art installations at designated parks, or march down the designated parade route. The City’s Board of Control, Resolution 252-16, sets out special regulations for parades and other activities around the convention. An application form and additional information can be found on the city’s website, the deadline to file is 5pm on July 8, 2016.