What is a Special Event?

Puyallup Municipal Code 5.34 identifies a special event as any event in which people assemble that:

Makes special use of city streets, alleys, sidewalks, parks, parking lots, grounds, facilities, or other city property; Significantly impacts the health, safety, or welfare of the public; Obstructs vehicular or pedestrian traffic or has significant noise or visual impacts. Significantly impacts the quiet use and enjoyment of real property or makes use of city services or resources.

Examples of special events include, but are not limited to parades, marches, fun runs, art/street fairs, races, car shows, protests, demonstrations, fundraising walks, sporting events, block parties, etc.

If an event will allow people to gather and engage in an activity on a city street, sidewalk, alley, or city right-of-way or other public property, which may obstruct or interfere with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, the event will require a permit. Some events and activities on private property may also require a special event permit if they impact the health, safety, or welfare of the public. If you are unsure whether an event you are planning requires a permit, please contact the City Clerk's office.

Process

Any person or organization wishing to conduct or sponsor a special event in the City of Puyallup is required to submit a Special Event Permit application along with all necessary documentation. Application submission does not guarantee permit issuance. Incomplete applications, or those submitted without the required fee, will not be accepted or reviewed by the Clerk's Office. 

Numerous City departments work in conjunction to review all special event permit applications. This team approves, conditionally approves, or denies each application. Some permits may be approved with conditions or may be subject to additional fees. Please see our Fees & Insurance Requirements section.

Fees

An application fee of $80.00 is required at the time of application. 

Additional fees may be assessed for labor or equipment that is to be provided by the city for the event. 

Insurance Requirements

Each applicant for a special event permit agrees to obtain and supply the city with proof of Commercial General Liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 each occurrence and $2,000,000 general aggregate prior to receiving a permit. A copy of an endorsement number CG 20 12 (or a substitute form providing equivalent liability coverage) naming the City as an additional insured must be attached to the Certificate of Insurance at the time of application. Endorsements that do not include "sole negligence" coverage will not be accepted.

Application

Organizations that apply for a Special Event permit often also want to display a cross-street event banner, which is located on N Meridian just south of River Road. To apply to have your event banner displayed, please fill out the application below and submit payment to the Clerk's Office. There is a $50 application fee to display your event banner.

Cross Street Banner Application

Policy

Organizations are advised to review our Policy on Cross Street Banners prior to submitting their application to ensure compliance. The policy explains what can be displayed on the banner and establishes requirements and procedures for the banner. 

Banner Detail Guidelines

Banners must be 4 feet tall by 30 feet wide and meet certain wind load requirements in order to be installed. Please consult our Banner Detail Guidelines document for details.