Planning an Event

Events That Need a Permit:

1. Activities on Public Property:

   • Events on streets, sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces that might disrupt normal public use.
     
     

2. Significant Impact on Public Services:

   • Events that could affect traffic flow, public safety, sanitation, or city services like police or fire departments.
     
     

3. 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.
     
     

4. 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.
     
     

5. 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 Might 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.

In essence, if the event involves public property, impacts public services, or requires city coordination, a special event permit is likely required.

*Summarized from Renton Municipal Code 5-22 Special Event Permits*

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.

*Summarized from Renton Municipal Code 5-22 Special Event Permits*

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 on facility rentals or park usage guidelines, visit:

Rentals and Reservations

Park Rules and Regulations(PDF, 224KB)

All permit and event cancellations are required in writing from the event originator, referencing the event date and event name and must be received 30 days prior to your event date.

To submit your written request, please contactEventPermits@rentonwa.gov

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.

*Summarized from Renton Municipal Code 5-22 Special Event Permits*

Steps for Request Approval:

1. Submit a Request an Event Form: Complete and submit a Request an Event Form by the required deadline, providing all necessary details (event type, location, size, etc.).
2. City Review: The City of Renton reviews your application to assess potential impacts on public spaces, safety, services, and traffic.
3. 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).
4. 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.

*Summarized from Renton Municipal Code 5-22 Special Event Permits*

Criteria for Approval:

Your event is more likely to be approved if it:

• Meets all requirements and deadlines.
• 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.

Reasons for Denial:

Your request may be denied if:

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

Appeal Process

If an applicant wishes to appeal the denial of a special event permit or any condition imposed on the permit, they must:

1. File a Written Notice of Appeal: Submit this notice to the City Clerk within 14 days of the decision, accompanied by a $250 fee.

2. Specify Grounds for Appeal: Clearly outline the reasons for the appeal and include any supporting documents.

The appeal will be reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Department Administrator or their designee, who will issue a written decision within 10 days.

*Renton Municipal Code 5-22-7*