The Parade Permit Application.pdf should be filled out in full.  Line by line instruction and information are provided as follows (updated May 15, 2005). Please read the entire instruction sheet . 

At this time we do not anticipate canceling any events already permitted, however with ongoing national security concerns and the possible unavailability of city and police resources, this could occur. If this action is necessary, applicants will be given notice in a timely manner. New requests may be denied or adjusted for the same reason.

1.       EVENT NAME:  Provide the common name by which the parade or other activity is to be known, such as Carolina Carrousel Parade, Tryon Mile, MS Walkathon, etc.

2.      DATE, HOURS, TIME OF ASSEMBLY: The date of the event must be at least 30 working days after the date of submittal of the application. There needs to be at least a 30 working day notice if there are associated events such as a street party. Special restrictions can be expected for any activity using the Uptown area between Thanksgiving and New Years holidays.  Activities on a weekday will be prohibited from taking place during the peak rush periods 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM to the extent that the activity uses a major thoroughfare. The start time is the time the event is scheduled to begin from the start point, and the end time is the time after which the last unit of the event will cross the finish point.  The time of assembly is the time at which parade units, runners, etc. will be forming on the street, such that the traffic flow may be affected. Identify the amount of street usage desired for the event, including assembly areas and set up/tear down of start/finish lines, as well as the route. The city must be made aware of any additional closures whether an entire street or curb lane will be affected. Review stands, for example require closings prior to an event. LAST MINUTE ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

3.       TYPE OF EVENT: Is the request for a parade with vehicles and persons, vehicles only, or is it a bicycle or foot race?  Any animal that is in any event must have provisions made for clean up. Horses may be required to diaper. On the application, indicate all categories that apply to your event.

4.       ROUTE:  Give specific detailed directions of the route of event, (Example: Begin on Tryon Street between Seventh Street and Eighth Street, left on Trade Street, left on College Street and left on Seventh to the finish line). In addition, enclose a faxable detailed map indicating the route by using arrows.(Do not use highlighters as they do not fax). Please fill out the application in BLACK INK only. Pencil or blue ink will scan. If additional space is needed, attach a separate sheet. All the correspondence and maps should be on 8 ½ x 11-inch paper and do not use the back of the forms. 

If the routing crosses or uses Trade or Tryon Streets in the Uptown area, the applicant should first contact the Charlotte Center City Partners, at 704 332-2227, 128 South Tryon Street, Suite 1960, Charlotte, NC 28202.  Use of Fifth Street between Alexander Street & Davidson Street and Davidson Street between Fifth Street & Trade Street may be prohibited depending on the type of event.  These are entrances to the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and any blockage is prohibited. First and Tryon should be avoided because of new buildings and driveway impacts. Using this route will be determined on a "case by case Scenario. The routing, including the use of major thoroughfares and congested intersections, will have a direct bearing on the city support services that will be required.  In order to minimize expenses, we recommend that neighborhood streets be used and major thoroughfares avoided.  The City will furnish two on-duty police officers with vehicles to escort the event.  However, additional off-duty police officers may be required to control traffic along the event route and they are to be funded by the event sponsor. Traveling in a direction opposite to the flow of traffic on a one-way street may not be approved.  Likewise, running adjacent to opposing traffic may not be approved. Running ahead of the lead police car in a walking event will not be allowed and the violators may be asked to leave the event.

A)  The use of sponsor vehicles leading or accompanying a race may be considered if the event sponsor meets qualifications and agrees to regulation specifics set by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Special Events Commander. The policy can be accessed by contacting the Special Events Commander at 704-336-3407.

B)  Throwing of candy or other giveaways from floats or cars is highly discouraged as children may run into the street and underneath wheels to retrieve same. It is recommended that volunteers walk along side the vehicle and they can distribute. The practice of throwing goods can be stopped if determined by police or parade officials that it is dangerous. 

C)  For larger events such as bicycle or foot races that close major roads, volunteers and monitors will be required to assist participants along the route as well as monitoring driveways. Police officers stationed at intersections are responsible for safe pedestrian and traffic control and cannot assist runners or cyclists with course directions or answer questions.

D) Motorized vehicles such as motorcycles or small cars cannot operate in a manner that puts the public at risk. This also applies to animal acts and/or horse performances. Police or parade officials can halt any unsafe act or stunt that endangers the public.

E) Contact neighborhood organizations to advise of the closure impacts on the affected streets and the subsequent possibility of delays.

F)  The application MUST be filled out in its entirety.  "See attached" instead of  required information requested on the form will not be accepted. Maps and route definitions also MUST be included or the application will not be accepted.

PURPOSE:  An event must have a public, non-commercial purpose.  If the event has a sponsor other than the applicant, or if the parade benefits a group other than the applicant, a letter must be attached from the sponsoring group or benefiting agency authorizing the applicant to use the group/agency for the parade.

5.       HOLD HARMLESS: The City of Charlotte is not a co-sponsor of the event for which you are applying for a permit.  Your signature on the application constitutes a hold harmless agreement to demonstrate that the sponsor is wholly liable for any damages or injuries that may occur.  If directed to do so, you may be required to have individual participants sign a hold harmless agreement.  Depending upon the size and scope of the event a "Certificate of insurance" may be required.

6.   Although the application is not required to be typed, it is required to be legible and complete. Return application with $10 check made payable to the City of Charlotte to: Chairman, Parade Permit Committee, Charlotte Department of Transportation, 600 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Phone 704-336-3889 with questions.