Questions surround the protests over the death of George Floyd and whether people have a permit to do so.
According to the city of San Luis Obispo, a special event typically requires an application submitted 90 days before the event is held, followed by a reviewal by staff, event requirements, and lastly if approved, issuing a special event permit.
However, the protests that took place over the last several days have not been granted permits and fall into a category that would exempt them from needing one, according to the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
Under the city's municipal code, the permit application process doesn't apply to spontaneous parades or assemblies occasioned by news or affairs coming into public knowledge within three days of such parade or assembly; provided, that the organizers thereof give written notice to the city at least 24-hours prior to such parade or assembly.
"These events are happening in such quick succession it really doesn't fit under the permit process or the permit process doesn't allow for the organizers to get these events properly permitted,” Robert Cudworth, SLO Police Department lieutenant, said.
SLOPD said organizers also have a First Amendment right to assemble in free speech and the Department said it will respect that.
