Guidelines for Use of the Designated Parade Route
With regard to First Amendment activity during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, the
City of Charlotte has two goals: (1) to respect and protect the First Amendment rights of our citizens and
visitors; and (2) to preserve the peace, provide public safety, and ensure an enjoyable convention
experience for all.
The City has designated a route approximately one-mile in length for parades and marches to be used
during the Convention dates of September 4 – 6, 2012 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This will allow for six parades per day. Parades will step-off in 40 minute intervals.
A map of the parade route and assembly area is attached. Parade participants will assemble in Pearl
Street Park located at 1008 Baxter Street, and the parade route will end at Marshall Park located on 3rd
Street between McDowell and Davidson Streets. There is very limited public parking available at Pearl
Street Park so please carpool or ride public transportation. A water filling station will be provided for
participants.
Guidelines for Permit Holders:
1. Permits are non-transferable
2. Permit Holders must be present during assigned time slot
3. Permit Holders must show proof of permit and photo ID at time of check-in
4. Permit Holders must check-in no later than 10 minutes prior to assigned time
5. Procession participants must be fully assembled by assigned step-off time. Failure to step-off
within 5 minutes of assigned time may result in a forfeiture of time slot
6. Motorized vehicles and bicycles may not be used in the procession
7. The City Permit Official will give signal to begin procession
8. Procession participants will have 40 minutes to complete procession
9. Upon completion of procession, participants must immediately clear parade route
Banners and Signage:
Participants may carry banners and signs. However, a staff or pole on which a sign, flag, or banner may
be carried shall be made of corrugated material, plastic, or wood, and shall not exceed 40 inches in
length and shall not be made of metal or metal alloy. If made of wood, the staff or pole shall be no
greater than three-fourths inch in diameter at any point. A staff or pole must be blunt at both ends.
Amplified Sound:
Individuals will be allowed to use personal amplification equipment (e.g., bullhorns, megaphones).
Extraordinary Event Guidelines:
The entire parade route, including the assembly area in Pearle Street Park, is located within the
boundaries of the Extraordinary Event area established pursuant to City Code Sec. 15-311. As such, the
following regulations shall apply:
a) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties to push, pull
or transport any, vehicle, cart, or float, unless a permit specifically authorizes the use of that item(s).
b) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties, to throw
any item unless a permit specifically authorizing such throwing.
c) During the period of time and within the boundaries of an extraordinary event, it shall be unlawful
for any person, other than governmental employees in the performance of their duties, to willfully
or intentionally possess, carry, control or have immediate access to any of the following:
(1)
A bar, chain, shaft, staff, cable, wire, lumber, or plastic pipe capable of inflicting serious
injury to a person if thrown at or struck upon another, except as permitted by City Code
Sec. 19-303(d);
(2)
A container or object of sufficient weight that may be used as a projectile, or that
contains objects that may be used as a projectile, that could inflict serious injury to a
person or damage to property;
(3)
An aerosol container, spray gun or soaker device;
(4)
A paint gun, etching materials, spray paint container, liquid paint or marker containing a
fluid that is not water soluble;
(5)
A backpack, duffle bag, satchel, cooler or other item carried with the intent to conceal
weapons or other prohibited items;
(6)
A glass or breakable container capable of being filled with a flammable or dangerous
substance carried with the intent to inflict serious injury to a person or damage to
property;
(7)
A sharp or bladed objects such as a box cutter, utility knife, ice pick, axe, or any other
object defined in City Code Sec. 15-14;
(8)
A hammer or crow bar;
(9)
Pepper spray, mace or any other irritant carried with the intent to delay, obstruct or
resist the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer;
(10)
Body armor, shield, helmet, protective pads, or gas masks carried or worn with the
intent to delay, obstruct or resist the lawful orders of a law enforcement officer;
(11)
A mask or scarf worn with the intent to hide one’s identity while committing a crime;
(12)
A police scanner;
(13)
Rocks, bottles, objects, bricks or pieces thereof that are of sufficient weight or design as
to cause serious injury to a person if thrown at or struck upon another;
(14)
A device used to shoot, hurl or project a missile of any description capable of inflicting
serious injury to a person;
(15)
A “sock” or “pocket” containing material of sufficient weight as to cause serious injury
to a person if thrown at or struck upon another;
(16)
Fireworks, smoke bombs, sparklers, and stink-bombs;
(17)
An animal unless specifically allowed under the terms of a permit issued in City Code
Sec. 19-313 or is a service animal used to assist a person with a disability.
(d)
The following factors shall be a defense to prosecution for a violation of subsection:
(1)
(2)
(3)
The defendant was engaged in, or on the way to or from, an activity in which he or she
legitimately used the device or object; and
The defendant possessed that object for that legitimate use; and
The defendant did not use or attempt to use the object as a weapon or to injure another
person or damage property.”
Please Direct Questions to DNC Permit Official:
Emily Cantrell
Phone: (704) 432-2076
Email: ecantrell@charlottenc.gov
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DNC Designated Parade Route,
Sept. 4-6, 2012
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End: Marshall Park
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Parade Route
Begin: Pearle Street Park