Special Event Permits

Daffodil Parade
Certain events, whether public or private, require a Special Event permit. Staff can assist in determining if an event requires a permit and can help guide an applicant through the process if a permit is needed.

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. 
  1. What is a special event?

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.

  1. Process
  1. FEes & insurance requirements
  1. Cross Street Banner Application

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:

  1. Good cause exists to allow the late submission, and
  2. 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.