The use of a sidewalk for protesting, demonstrations or picketing activity that uses the public sidewalk do not require a permit from the City. There are rules to follow however.
Use of a sidewalk rules:
- You can not block the sidewalk where it prevents the use by other citizens
- You can not block ingress or egress to the doors of the building
- You can not block driveways from the street to the property
- You can not set up tables or other obstructions on the sidewalk
- You can not get into the street for any reason
- You can not get on “private property” without the permission of the property owner
- Careful consideration to the wording and/ or graphics that are placed on posters or signs should be considered. Threatening, vulgar or pornographic; words or images could prompt other citizens to complain causing police action.
- Banners or signs may not be hung off of or attached to bridges over roadways; signs may be carried while walking on sidewalks over bridges.
Requesting a Street Event
To request the use of a public street to hold a "March", a Parade Permit is required 10 days prior to the date of the event. Parade Permits are approved by Austin Police Department – Special Events Office. The permit is at Parade Permits .
If you have further questions about your particular event, you may contact: Austin Police Department – Special Events Unit at: 512-974-5032 fax 512-974-6636.
Other contacts
- The use of the State Capitol grounds for an event requires permits from the State Preservation Board, 512-463-3051; and coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Capitol District at 512-463-3556.
- The use of City Hall Plaza is arranged through the City of Austin, Building Services Division. Email your request to: building.services@austintexas.gov Click here to view the City Hall and City Hall Plaza use policy
- A request to use City of Austin parkland is approved through the Parks and Recreation Department, reservation office, at 512-974-6797.