(A) It shall be unlawful for any person to initiate, promote or participate in any parade or public assembly in any public area or right-of-way, or in areas not designed as public assembly areas, within the town limits until a parade permit has first been secured. Permits must be approved by the Town Manager, Fire Marshal and Chief of Police. Parades or public assemblies involving barricades or street closures must also secure a permit from the Public Works Director.
(B) Any person denied a parade/public assembly permit under this section may appeal to the Town Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting.
(C) Parades/public assemblies that take place on a state road or portion of a state road must secure permission from the NCDOT Division Office.
(D) Participants in a parade are required to abide by division requirements and the terms of the parade/public assembly permit. Willful violation thereof is unlawful.
(E) The person designated on the application as responsible for the conduct of the parade shall be physically present and accept responsibility for compliance with any and all terms of the parade/public assembly permit.
(F) All holders of permits granted and approved by the town pursuant to this section shall indemnify and hold harmless the town in all respects against any and all claims and liabilities arising out of or related to the issuance of a parade/public assembly permit.
(G) No person shall unreasonably obstruct, impede or interfere with any parade or public assembly, or with any person, vehicle or animal participating.
(H) The town shall charge an administrative fee to cover expenses incidental to processing the application and to cover expenses for police escorts, barricades or other expenses when requested. No parade or public assembly in which animals are involved shall be conducted without a special permit from the Town Manager. The Town Manager shall require a bond in the amount of $100 where animals are involved in order to provide that the person obtaining the special permit will be responsible for cleaning the town streets or property after the parade, exhibition, demonstration or assembly.
(I) The Chief of Police shall have the authority when reasonably necessary to prohibit or restrict the parking of vehicles along a street, highway or part thereof constituting a part of the route or area of the event.
(J) Notwithstanding that a permit for the parade or public assembly has been issued, the Chief of Police is hereby authorized, empowered and instructed to stop and disperse any parade conducted in violation of these provisions.
(K) Town-sponsored parades or public assemblies shall be excluded from the requirements of this subchapter. Groups that are interested in utilizing Town Park facilities are also excluded from this subchapter and must fill out the contract and follow the guidelines as provided by the Town’s Parks and Recreation Department.
(Ord. O-02-5, passed 11-11-2002) Penalty, see § 10.99
Cross-reference:
Park regulations, see Chapter 92 of this code of ordinances