Grass Valley Municipal Code Ch. 12.28 Parades and Processions

As used in this chapter:

"Activity" means a parade.

"Funeral procession" means a single direct movement from a mortuary or church to a place of burial of a human body, under the direction of an authorized funeral director.

"Parade" means a march or procession of any kind.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-51)

It is unlawful for any person to hold, manage, conduct, aid, participate in, form, start or carry on any parade as defined in this chapter, in or upon any public street, park or other public grounds in the city unless and until a permit to conduct such parade has been obtained in compliance with the provisions of this chapter except as provided in this chapter.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-52)

This chapter shall not apply to any of the following:

A. Funeral processions;

B. A governmental agency acting within the scope of its functions; and

C. Students going to and from school classes or participating in educational activities, providing such activity is authorized by the school district and is under the immediate direction and supervision of the school authorities authorized by the school district to approve and supervise such activity.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-53)

A. Application for permits under this chapter must be filed with the police department not less than five days in advance of the proposed activity. All applications must be accompanied with a fee in an amount as established by the city council.

B. Late applications may be accepted if filed sufficiently in advance of the date of the proposed activity to enable the chief of police to determine if the activity will meet the requirements set forth in Section 12.28.050 of this chapter.

C. The application may be obtained from the police department or the city clerk's office between the hours of eight a.m. and four p.m., Monday through Friday, holidays excepted.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-54)

The chief of police or his designated representative may issue a permit as provided in this chapter when, after consideration of the application and any other information as may otherwise be obtained, he finds that:

A. The conduct of such activity will not substantially interrupt the safe and orderly movement of other traffic;

B. The concentration of persons, animals and vehicles will not unduly interfere with proper fire and police protection of, or ambulance service to, areas where the activity will take place or areas contiguous to such area;

C. The conduct of such activity will not unduly interfere with the movement of fire fighting equipment en route to a fire, or the movement of other emergency equipment;

D. The conduct of such activity is not reasonably likely to cause injury to persons or property; and

E. Such activity is not to be held for the sole purpose of advertising the goods, wares or merchandise of a particular business establishment or vendor.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-55)

The chief of police shall have the authority to impose such conditions as are necessary to ensure all the findings in Section 12.28.050 of this chapter exist during the continuation of an activity.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-56)

Conditions to the issuance of any permit shall be set forth in the permit.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-60)

If a permit application already shall have been made for an activity proposed to be held at a specific time or place, the chief of police may refuse approval of a later application. In case of such refusal, he shall forthwith send the applicant a written notice that he may apply for an alternate time and place.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-57)

The chief of police shall act upon the permit application within three days of the filing of the application. If he disapproves of the application, he shall mail to the applicant, within that three-day period, a notice of denial and the reason for the denial.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-58)

The applicant shall have the right to appeal the denial of a permit to the city council. A notice of appeal shall be filed with the city clerk within two days after receipt of notice of denial. The city council shall act upon the appeal at its next meeting following receipt of the notice of appeal. The decision of the city council shall be final.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-59)

A permittee under the provisions of this chapter shall comply with all terms and conditions of the permit and with all applicable laws and ordinances. The written permit obtained pursuant to this chapter shall be carried by the person heading or leading the activity for which the permit was issued.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-61)

The chief of police may revoke any permit issued under provisions of this chapter upon the failure of the permittee to comply with the terms and conditions of the permit or if the activity, because of the manner in which it is being conducted, or for any other reason, is jeopardizing those elements of the public safety or welfare set forth in Section 12.28.050 of this chapter.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-62)

A. It is unlawful for any person to unreasonably obstruct, impede or interfere with any parade or with any person, vehicle or animal participating in such a parade for which a permit has been granted in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

B. The chief of police shall have the authority, when reasonably necessary, to prohibit or restrict the parking of vehicles along a highway or part thereof constituting part of the route of a parade. The chief of police shall post signs to such effect, and it shall be unlawful for any person to park or leave unattended any vehicle in violation of such signs.

(Ord. 462 § 2 (part), 1991; prior code § 12-63)