Planning an Event

Activities on Public Property: Events on streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces that might disrupt normal public use. 

Significant Impact on Public Services: Events that could affect traffic flow, public safety, sanitation, or city services like police or fire departments. 

Large Gatherings: Events with a high number of participants, such as fun runs, parades, or festivals, which might require special coordination or cause road closures. 

Events on Private Property (When Impactful): Private events held on private property that could still have a noticeable impact on traffic, public services, or the surrounding community. 

Any Event That Involves: 

• Closing streets or rerouting traffic. 
• Using public spaces for private purposes. 
• Amplified sound, alcohol service, or any element needing city resources (like extra police or sanitation). 

Events That May Be Exempt: 

• Small gatherings that don't disrupt traffic, require extra city services, or use public property exclusively. 
• Spontaneous gatherings or demonstrations exercising First or Fourteenth Amendment rights (e.g., protests) may not require a permit but should notify the city to avoid conflicts. 
• If the event involves public property, impacts public services, or requires city coordination, a special event permit is likely required.

Other Rentals 

If you are interested in reserving a picnic shelter or other indoor/outdoor venue or ballfield, please visit our Rentals and Reservations webpage for availability. Please note, our indoor/outdoor venues do have maximum capacity limits, and not all event requests may be accommodated. 

Questions? Please email eventpermits@rentonwa.gov

A temporary event permit is required by the City of Renton to ensure that events impacting public spaces, services, or safety are well-coordinated and comply with city regulations. 

Permits allow the city to manage traffic flow, public safety, sanitation, and community accessibility while minimizing disruptions. This process helps ensure that events are safe, enjoyable, and beneficial for both participants and the surrounding community. 

Certain events within the City of Renton may not require a temporary event permit but could still need rental contracts or specific permissions. These include smaller gatherings, such as private parties in city-owned facilities or parks, picnics, or informal meetups that do not impact public spaces, traffic, or city services.  

While a permit might not be necessary, you may still need to reserve the space or comply with rules related to amplified sound, alcohol use, or vendor setup. 

For more information about facility rentals, park rules and regulations, or Renton’s Municipal Code, please visit: 

Rentals and Reservations 

 Park Rules and Regulations(PDF, 224KB)

 (PDF, 224KB)Municipal Code - Special Events

Temporary Events may be permitted in a variety of areas in the city, and we would love to discuss those locations with you. Most events have historically been held at the following locations: 

Parks 

Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N, Renton 

Philip Arnold Park, 720 Jones Ave S, Renton 

Cedar River Park/Trail, 1715 Maple Valley HWY, Renton 

Community Centers 

Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley HWY, Renton 

Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave NE, Renton 

 Don Persson Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave N, Renton 

Other Locations 

 Downtown Renton 

Cedar River Trail (October – April only) 

All businesses associated with your event are required to have an active business license with the City of Renton. Businesses may obtain a city business license registration at no fee if they meet the following criteria:  

• No physical location in the city limits of Renton 
• No requirement for any other specialized permit or license 
•  Annual Renton revenue of less than $4,000 
•  They are a non-profit organization 

Registering a Business 

Prior to applying for a City of Renton business license, businesses must first obtain a Uniform Business Identification number (UBI) from the Washington State Department of Revenue or 1-800-647-7706. After obtaining a UBI number, apply for a Renton license online or via hardcopy application. 

Complete the application form to apply for a business license. Applications can be completed electronically or hardcopy. Electronic business license applications can be submitted online here: Business License Application 

Annual Registration Fee 

The business license registration fee is due at the time of application, and during each subsequent renewal. The annual license fee is $150. Businesses starting operations in Renton after July 1 will pay a prorated license fee of $75. 

For more information, including directions how to apply for a license in person please visit Business Licenses | City of Renton

Community safety is our top priority. It is critical that every event uses gas and electricity responsibly. It starts with having a plan! 

Renton Regional Fire Authority Permits 

Depending on the size and features of your event, a permit from the Renton Regional Fire Authority may be required.  

If you are planning an event with over 300 attendees, an event that involves food trucks, or an event utilizing tents and membrane structures having an area more than 400 square feet or tents that cover a stage or raised platform your event may require a permit from the Renton Regional Fire Authority. 

For more detailed information, or to apply for a permit please visit www.rentonrfa.com/permits or call 425-276-9580. 

Electrical Plan 

The City of Renton requires an electrical plan for all events. This plan must contain a site map showing the location of all electrical equipment and utilities such as generators, outlets, spider boxes, cord covers for all pathway crossings, and any other details involving the use of electricity.  

Please note that the existing electrical service at a park or other City property may be inadequate for certain Temporary Events. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure there is an adequate electrical capacity to hold the event and obtain additional electrical supply, if needed. The permit holder is responsible for communicating specific power needs to city staff who will provide oversight of all electrical connections to City power sources. Any damage caused to existing electrical services due to overload is the responsibility of the permit holder.  

Additional Electrical Support 

 The permit holder is responsible for providing an electrician for needs beyond connecting to City power and all electrical distribution equipment, including cabling and cord covers for all pathway crossings.  

Wiring a temporary power distribution system (interconnection wiring, spider boxes, or other equipment that is installed to distribute power to the end user e.g., booth, operator, vendor, etc.), using plug and cord wiring methods, is not exempt from permit and inspection requirements even if the power source is from a permanently installed electrical receptacle. An electrical permit and inspection may be required prior to the event site opening to the public. 

Commercial Electrical Permits 

 Generators 

 Use of a generator sized greater than 15KW shall require a commercial electrical permit. Any generator sized at 15KW or less is exempt from a permit, unless the generator is providing power to a distribution system.  

 A commercial electrical permit is required for any type of temporary power distribution system that uses feeders, branch circuits, or other means that distribute power to electrical equipment (e.g., amplifiers, lights, etc.).   

For information on how to obtain a commercial electrical permit, please email permittech@rentonwa.gov, or visit Electrical Permits

For most events you will be required to provide either a commercial general liability or special events liability insurance certificate with minimum liability limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence; two million dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate. 

• In the certificate it shall name the City of Renton as a certificate holder and the city as additional insured on a primary and non-contributory basis. 
• The certificate shall reference the dates and name of the event being covered by the liability insurance. 
• Coverage shall be written for a period not less than twenty-four (24) hours prior to the event and extending for a period not less than twenty-four (24) hours following the completion of the event. 
• Additional insurance may be required following a review of the event application by our Human Resources and Risk Management Division. 

The city does not represent that the minimum required insurance coverage or limits are adequate to protect the vendor/contractor/consultant from all liabilities. 

The Certificate Holder should read: 

City of Renton  

ATTN: Parks and Recreation Department  

1055 South Grady Way  

Renton, WA 98057 

The City shall be provided with written notice of any policy cancellation within a minimum of two business days of receipt of such notice by the policy holder. 

•  The city does not represent that the minimum required insurance coverage or limits are adequate to protect the vendor/contractor/consultant from all liabilities. 
•  Insurance certificate requirements and minimum limits can only be waived or modified with Risk Manager approval.

 Direct any questions, comments, or concerns to:

 Krista Kolaz, Risk Management

 425-430-7669

 kkolaz@rentonwa.gov

Steps for Request Approval: 

•  Submit a Request an Event Form: Complete and submit a Request an Event Form 90 or more days in advance, providing all necessary details (event type, location, size, impacts, event elements, etc.). 
•  City Review: The City of Renton reviews your application to assess potential impacts on public spaces, safety, services, and traffic. 
• Feedback or Modifications: If needed, the city may request additional information or adjustments to your event plan (e.g., changes to traffic flow, public safety measures, or scheduling). 
• Approval: Once all requirements are met, the city will issue your permit. You’ll receive details about any additional steps, such as coordinating with law enforcement or sanitation services. 

Criteria for Approval: 

Your event is more likely to be approved if it: 

• Meets all requirements and deadlines. 
• Event complies with local laws and ordinances (e.g., noise, alcohol, and food regulations). 
• Does not pose significant safety risks or create excessive disruptions to traffic or public spaces. 
• Has an adequate plan for public safety, sanitation, and cleanup. 

Criteria for Denial: 

Your request may be denied for reasons such as: 

• The request is incomplete or submitted late. 
• The event conflicts with other scheduled activities.  
• The event significantly disrupts or impacts the community. 
• The event poses risks to public safety or cannot be managed with available resources. 
• Applicant fails to meet conditions or requirements outlined during the review process. 

Applicants have the option to appeal a decision. The appeal process is detailed in the Renton Municipal Code 5-22-7. 

Permit Application Fee: $85.00

Commercial Filming/Photo Shoots: $300.00/hour 

Equipment Fees

Spider Boxes (Electrical): $200.00 per day/each 

Additional fees may be assessed based upon the current City of Renton Fee Schedule.

Additional permits may be required to complete your Temporary Event Permit. We will advise you during the permitting process if any of these permits are necessary. Some of those permits include: 

RENTON REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY EVENT PERMIT - Depending on the size and features of your event, a permit from the Renton Regional Fire Authority may be required. For more information, please visit www.rentonrfa.com/permits

TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN/RIGHT OF WAY PERMIT – Your event may may require a traffic control plan and right of way permit. For more information please visit Traffic Control Plan | City of Renton

CITY COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL PERMIT – Is required if using a generator sized greater than 15KW shall require a commercial electrical permit. Any generator sized at 15KW or less is exempt from a permit, unless the generator is providing power to a distribution system. A commercial electrical permit is required for any type of temporary power distribution system that uses feeders, branch circuits, or other means that distribute power to electrical equipment (e.g., amplifiers, lights, etc.).   

For information on how to obtain a commercial electrical permit, please email permittech@rentonwa.gov, or visit Electrical Permits. 

STATE LIQUOR CONTROL PERMIT – May be required if your event involves alcohol. More information is available at www.lcb.wa.gov

Application Process 

Applications must be received at least 90 days prior to the event. Submit your application early to improve your opportunity to secure your desired date and location. Before submitting your application, please read all information on this page and email eventpermits@rentonwa.gov if you have questions about the permitting process. 

Depending on the size and complexity of your event, temporary event permits may be issued months in advance, or several days in advance. We will communicate the status of your permit throughout the review process. Your Temporary Event Permit can be issued after the following steps are completed: 

• All required documents have been received 
• Each committee member has provided required conditions 
• You have met the requirements for any pre-event conditions 
• You have paid your invoice 
• A final event walkthrough has been held (if required) 

At least 90 days prior to the event: 

• Submit a Temporary Event Permit application with all required documentation. 
• 90 days is the minimum requirement and a longer lead time is preferred, especially for larger or more complex events.  

Required Documents, in addition to the application include: 

•  Detailed map showing the location of tents, vendors, electrical usage, water usage, street closures, on-street parking closures, placement of sanitation rentals, etc. and what direction is north. 
• Detailed timeline of all event activities including delivery of rentals, setup and teardown, removal of rentals, performances, etc. 
• Route map showing paths taken by attendees. Include directional arrows and labels. For run/walk/cycling/parade events only. 
• Emergency Management Plan that includes: 
  • Contact information for day-of-event event staff
  • Process for lost children
  • Location of first-aid station(s)
  • Evacuation plan, extreme weather plan, and your method for communicating with event staff and participants. 

After receiving your application: 

• The Parks and Recreation Department will contact you within three business days.  
• Staff will discuss the viability of the event and request additional details and documentation that will be required. 
• Your application will then move to committee review. 

60 days before the event:

Your event is reviewed by the Temporary Events Committee. Members of the committee represent a variety of departments. Committee members will evaluate your application and provide conditions for the approval of your event. Event permit staff will keep you informed during this process so you can prepare to meet the conditions of your permit. Common examples of conditions required include: 

• A traffic control plan is required 
• Police presence is required 
• Vendors must have an active City of Renton business license and insurance 
• Food trucks must obtain a permit from the Renton Regional Fire Authority 
• No staking tents in grass. Tents must be weighted to manufacturer specifications 

30-60 days prior to the event:

We will require the following during the review process: 

• Certificate of Insurance is required for the event producer or organization. 
• Provide a list of all vendors, including rental companies 
• Obtain all additional permits required by the Temporary Events Committee (Traffic Control Plan, Fire Permit, Business Licensing, etc.) 

30 days prior to the event: 

• Submit payment for your invoice. 
• Submit all vendor insurance certificates 
• Submit all vendor business license certifications 
• Submit any updated event site maps, event adjustments and all final documentation. 

15 days prior to the event: 

• Notify all surrounding businesses and residents about event impacts, as directed by the temporary event committee. Please include information about street closures, on-street parking closures, amplified noise, etc. 
• Inform city event staff if there are final adjustments to the map, the vendor list, or any other aspect of the event. 

3 days prior to the event: 

• If closing on-street parking, NO PARKING signs must be placed. Signs must clearly display the dates and times of the closure. 
• The city will issue a Temporary Event Permit letter to the event producer. 

7 days after the event: 

• Discuss successes and areas of improvement with city event staff 
• Pay any additional fees incurred during the event.