Here’s how to obtain a permit in Houston to hold a protest—officially considered a “special event,” “street function,” or “parade” depending on its scope:
🎯 1. Determine Event Type
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Neighborhood Parade: Under 250 participants, <1 mile, excludes major thoroughfares — requires a simplified permit notification at least 10 business days in advance .
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Minor Street Function: Involves local streets without major thoroughfare closures – submit at least 40 days before the event .
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Major Street Function (e.g., blocking major roads/lanes) or full parade: Submit at least 90 days in advance; major parades also incur permit fees (e.g., ~$305) and may require route/traffic/security plans .
📄 2. Submit Special Event Application
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Download and complete the Special Event Application and related forms from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) reddit.com+15311.houstontx.gov+15311.houstontx.gov+15.
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Submit in person, by mail, email, or fax to:
Email: specialevents@houstontx.gov; Phone: 832‑393‑0868 recovery.houstontx.gov+3311.houstontx.gov+3311.houstontx.gov+3.
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Applications processed weekdays, 8 am–5 pm .
🧾 3. Provide Required Requisites
After conditional approval, include:
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Detailed site/route maps
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Traffic control plan (especially if streets are closed) houstonfilmcommission.com+15hcfmo.net+15houstonpermittingcenter.org+15
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Security control and medical/emergency plan houstonpermittingcenter.org+5311.houstontx.gov+5houstonpermittingcenter.org+5
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Certificate of insurance (liability coverage)
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Permission from affected neighborhood associations (if required) .
💵 4. Pay Fees
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Base permit fees ~ $66 for street functions; parade permit ~ $305 .
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Fire safety/special structures: If tents, stages, etc., are used, permits and inspections are required—fire code permits range from $200–$600 based on crowd size .
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Additional Fees: Police staffing, traffic control, park use, metered vs. closed streets; city services free for first 12 intersections or 1 mile, then ~$1,185 per intersection .
⏳ 5. Prepare Timeline
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Major events: Apply 90–120 days ahead.
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Minor street functions: Apply at least 40 days ahead.
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Neighborhood parades: At least 10 business days prior .
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You can apply up to 365 days in advance for parades .
✅ 6. Final Approval & Compliance
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The permit is valid only for the event date—new permit needed each time .
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Ensure compliance with all conditions (police, fire, insurance, health).
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Police/Fire Departments may shut events down in emergencies for safety reasons .
📝 Quick Checklist
| Task | Required For |
|---|---|
| Identify event type & timeline | All |
| Fill & submit Special Event Application | All |
| Include maps, traffic/medical/security plans | Street/parades |
| Provide insurance certificate | All |
| Pay permit & service fees | All |
| Fire-safety inspection if structures | Tents/stages |
| Secure neighborhood permission | If needed |