Definitions for Special Events

Special Events are defined as: 

  • Any organized formation, parade, procession, or assembly consisting of 50 or more persons and which may include animals, vehicles, or any combination thereof, which is to assemble or travel in unison on any street that does not comply with normal or usual traffic regulations or controls; 

  • Any organized assemblage of 50 or more persons at any public beach or public park, or plaza which is to gather for a common purpose under the direction and control of a person or organization; or 

  • Any other organized activity conducted by a person for a common or collective use, purpose, or benefit that involves the use of or has an impact on other public property or facilities and the provision of City public safety services in response thereto.

Categories of Special Events

Events that fall under the Special Events category include, but are not limited to:

  • Organized within residential neighborhoods, an event that involves a one-block-long residential street closure, is not open to the public, and offers no food or beverage sales.

  • Events that utilize streets or public pathways require additional planning, such as traffic control plans (TCPs)​ 

  • Public gatherings with amplified sound, staging, or large numbers of participants typically require more comprehensive permits and safety measures​. 

  • These events are constitutionally protected and may have unique requirements for permitting while ensuring the protection of First Amendment rights.​

Permit Criteria

A Special Events permit is required when 50 or more participants gather on public property, such as the public right of way, city-owned property, or public parking spaces:

    • “Right-of-way” or “City right-of-way” means the traveled portion of public streets and alleys, as well as the border area, which includes, but is not limited to, any sidewalks, planting strips, traffic circles, or medians.

    • If the event takes place on city-owned property, such as parks and plazas​.​ 

    • Events that repurpose parking spaces for non-parking purposes, such as seating or vendor setup, also need special permitting. An additional parking surcharge may apply to a Special Events permit if metered parking supply is impacted.

Special Events permits are not required for the activity listed below:

  • Funeral processions by a licensed mortuary.

  • Activities conducted by a governmental agency acting within the scope of its authority.

  • Lawful picketing on sidewalks.

Although a Special Events permit is not required for these activities, organizers are required to comply with all laws and regulations governing public safety and health.

Events are not permitted in some areas, including:

  • Rail Tracks: Use of active rail properties, such as Sound Transit and BNSF tracks, is prohibited.

  • Highways and Construction Sites: Events are not permitted on state or federal highways or within active construction zones due to safety and access requirements.