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Special Event Permits
Oftentimes, organizations requesting a Special Event Permit also want to display an event banner across Meridian. Those organizations will need to fill out a Cross Street Banner Application in addition to their Special Event Permit application. Details on these processes are below.
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.
Effective August 1, 2023, the following policy will be implemented:
“All Special Event Applications submitted to the City Clerk’s Office for review less than 90 days before the proposed special event must include a written statement as to why good cause should be found to allow a late submission and a late fee shall be paid as set forth by the Fee Schedule. Within 24 hours of the submission the City Clerk, or their designee, will review the submission to determine if:
- Good cause exists to allow the late submission, and
- There is sufficient time for adequate review.
Should the City Clerk, or their designee, deny the application, the application fee, and associated late fee, are non-refundable.”
How to Apply
Please complete an Application for a Special Event and submit it to the Clerk's Office. Applications can be emailed or submitted via mail or in person at:
City of Puyallup
c/o City Clerk - 4th Floor
333 South Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
All payments related to special events can be made in person or via telephone at 253-841-4321. Accepted forms of payment include cash, check, or credit card.