PROVO CITY ADVISORY FOR ORGANIZERS OF PUBLIC RALLIES OR
OTHER MASS GATHERINGS
INCLUDING PROTEST AND DEMONSTRATION ACTIVITIES

Provo is the home of America's Freedom Festival and celebrates year round the freedoms enjoyed under the United States Constitution. We support free expression and political debate, and welcome the free exchange of ideas. In order to respect and protect the rights of all citizens to express their opinions in the public forum, Provo City leaders encourage conduct that supports civil, peaceful discourse. People involved in demonstrations, marches or protests should be aware that various state laws and city ordinances govern how protests and demonstrations may be conducted.

1. Rally participants may not enter onto private property without the permission of the property owner. (Provo City Code Section 9.14.110)

2. Participants may not interfere with pedestrians or vehicular traffic. If people do not stop to listen, protesters and demonstrators may not insist that they do so. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.15)

3. Participants may not obstruct the free passage of pedestrians or vehicles or block any driveway, entrance, or exit. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.15)

4. If the gathering anticipates closing public access to a street or sidewalk, the City requires an Outside Event Permit for which organizers may apply at the Provo Police Department.

5. If organizers are anticipating over 300 participants for the event, state law requires that organizers consult the Utah County Health Department. They may require organizers to secure a Mass Gathering Permit or a Large Public Assembly license under Utah County ordinance Article 13.4. Some large public assemblies may also require a city license depending on the duration of the event and the anticipated number of participants. (Provo City Code Chapter 6.20)

6. If an event is to take place in a City park, participants should be aware that park facilities are available for reservation only between May 1 and October 1 of each year. If the planned event is within those times, park facilities may have already been reserved. If the event is outside of those times, parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis only, and no park facilities such as restrooms, water and electricity are available.

7. Many city parks are adjacent to public schools and neighborhoods. Those participating in protests and demonstrations should work to minimize any impact on schools or neighboring residences.

8. Whether the areas impacted by a rally, protest, demonstration or march are on public or private property, organizers and participants are responsible for leaving those areas clean and for removing all signs, sticks, leaflets or candles. (Provo City Code Chapter 9.13)

9. All participants must abide by all pertinent local, state and federal ordinances and laws while conducting the rally event, including Provo City's noise ordinance (Provo City Code Sections 9.06.010 through 9.06.030 ), Park Use Regulations (Provo City Code 9.19.010 to 9.19.120); and regulations related to disturbances at public schools (Provo City Code 9.21.040) and all should cooperate with law enforcement personnel in securing everyone's safety.