Application and Instructions

Before You Start Your Application

The Special Event Permit application is a fillable Adobe PDF form. You will need Adobe Acrobat software installed on your computer in order to save your form. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free download here.

Prepare to pay fees. All Special Event Permit fees are due no later than 30 days prior to the event start date. The Special Event Permit cannot be issued until payment is received in full. Our Permit Fee Estimator can be used to assist with event cost planning for all community, parade, commercial, and run/walk/ride events.

We recommend that you download the PDF form to your computer so you can save your work. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for free download here. You cannot save edits made to the form in an internet browser. 

  • Carefully review the information in gray boxes as you are filling out the form.
  • Answer each question with as much detail as you can. If you need more space to answer a question, please attach additional documents or pages. 

Unable to fill out the application on a computer? While it is not preferred, you may print the form and fill it out by hand. Please write clearly using dark ink. If you require additional accommodations for this form, please contact the Special Events Office for assistance.

Remember The Application Addendums and Attachments

The following list of required forms and attachments should be submitted as part of your Special Event Application. It is not a complete list of all permits and forms required by your event. Please review the Additional Event Permits section below to see what other permitting may apply.

You may also attach any other materials that you think are helpful to explain your event. See the Addendums page for a list of optional addendums and attachments. 

Maps, addendums, and other attachments should be in JPG, PDF, Word, or Excel format. Other formats may not be compatible with City of Seattle systems and will be returned to you for revision.

You may need to get other permits that are not processed by the Special Events Office.

Some features of your event may require permits and/or insurance from other City, County, or State agencies. Be sure to check the list of common permits for events below and apply separately as needed. Without all required permits, your event may not happen as planned.

Alcohol, Food, Stages, Tents, Street Use, and More

If your event includes any of the following features or offerings, other permits or licenses are required:

Insurance and Fire Safety Permits

Submit your application and required attachments at least 90 days prior to your proposed special event date. Applications submitted within 60 days of the event date are subject to late fees. Applications submitted within 45 days of the event date may be rejected due to insufficient processing time.

You are strongly encouraged to submit your application and all addendums and attachments by email. You may also submit via fax or US mail.

Email specialeventsoffice@seattle.gov

Fax (206) 684-0379   
 
US Mail

Seattle Special Events Office  

PO Box 94708  

Seattle, WA 98124-4708

The Special Events Office will email you with confirmation that your application has been received within three days (please allow 10 days for US Mail). If you have not received a response, call (206) 684-8017 to inquire.

Permit Processing and Approval

All Special Event Permit Applications must be received at least 90 days before the event start date. While there may be some exceptions, a late submission could result in any or all of the following:

  • Denial of permit due to insufficient processing time

  • Late fees  

  • Inability to reserve historical date/location for recurring events 

  • Risks to future events you may request 

  • Unavailable police staffing or other City services

We do make exceptions for spontaneous political or religious free speech events protected by the United States and Washington State constitutions. Permits can be issued within forty-eight hours of receiving an application.

General Processing Timeline

3 Business Days After Application is Submitted

  • We will confirm receipt of faxed or emailed applications within 3 business days. If you do not receive a confirmation within 3 business days, contact the Special Events Program at (206) 684-8017.

  • NOTE: please allow 10 business days if submitting by US Mail.

10 Business Days After We Receive Your Application

  • We will inform you what Event Category your event has been assigned
  • We will request any additional documentation needed for your event application

30 Days After Application Received

  • We will send you a Special Event Preliminary Permit (if requested by applicant)

45 Days Before Event

  • We will send you an invoice for Special Event Permit Fees

3 to 15 Days Before Event

  • We will send the final Special Event Permit 

You are strongly encouraged to submit your application, addendums, and attachments by email. You may also submit via fax or US mail.

Email: specialeventsoffice@seattle.gov   
Fax: (206) 684-0379   
US Mail: Seattle Special Events Office  
PO Box 94708  
Seattle, WA 98124-4708 

Support in other languages is available

Bilingual staff can answer questions and help you complete your application in the following languages: Amharic, Chinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.

To request translation or interpretation services, call (206) 684-8090 and leave the following information in a voicemail: 

  • Name

  • Phone number

  • Preferred language

  • The type of support needed

Special Events

Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5752, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94708, Seattle, WA, 98124-4708
Phone: (206) 684-8017
Fax: (206) 684-7025

The City of Seattle plays a strong role in helping event planners bring people together safely and successfully in both city-wide and neighborhood events.