Street Use Permits for Special Events

To download a PDF of the Client Assistance Memo which details how to get a street use permit for your special event, click here

Street Fairs, sidewalk sales, and block parties all lend a special sort of charm to our city. But, have you ever thought of what would happen if there was an emergency and no one knew the street was closed? Things would be a mess. A Street Use Permit for a special event can help make your event even better.

The Street Use Permit Counter is located on the 37th Floor of Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue. The counter's operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Fees, Deposits, and Insurance

A Street Use Permit for special events attended by fewer than 300 people has no fee.

There is a minimum deposit of $225.

All fees will be collected at the time of permit issuance.  Do not send money in with application.

Submit your Street Use Permit application to:

Karyn Keeler
Seattle Department of Transportation
Street Use Section
PO Box 34996,
700 - 5th Avenue
Seattle Municipal Tower, 37th Floor
Seattle, Washington  98104-5043
(206) 684-5284
Fax: (206) 684-5347

The Permit

Seattle Transportation issues Street Use Permits for any activity that temporarily closes a street or sidewalk, exclusive of escorted processions, parades, or any event for which Police Department personnel are required.

The permitting process can be easy if you know what to expect.

The application generally takes the form of a letter describing your event and including the following information:

1. Estimated number of people you expect to attend.
2. Date of your event.
3. Beginning and ending times.
4. A sketch or plot which shows the street you want to close.
5. Sponsors - the neighborhood group or organization who is putting on the event.
6. Contact person and phone number.
7. Your letter of application must be received at least 45 days before your event.
8. You must supply the "street closed" signs and barricades required by Seattle Transportation.

Events Requiring Seattle Police

If your event requires the assistance of the City of Seattle Police Department, contact the Special Event Committee to learn permit requirements and procedures:

Virginia Swanson
Special Events Committee
Department of Parks and Recreation
100 Dexter Avenue North
Seattle, Washington  98109
(206) 684-8017
Seattle Municipal Code

Contact the Special Event Committee to inquire about an application for a Special Event Permit. Here is a schedule of Special Event Permit fees for 2003.

Valet Parking associated with a special event requires a separate valet parking permit. The valet parking company applies for the valet parking permit through the Special Events Committee office.

For a Special Event Permit, you must submit a Certificate of Insurance with a minimum liability of $1,000,000 each occurrence. For Liquor Liability and Pyrotechnic Liability, the minimum limit is $2,000,000 each occurrence. (This is not necessary for neighborhood block parties.)

This bulletin is for general information.  Chapter 15.04 of the Seattle Municipal Code, Use and Occupation Permits, establishes the requirements for Street Use Permits.

You may obtain a copy of the Code at SDOT's Street Use Section, Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue, 37th Floor.

For more information, please call (206) 684-5283.