Special Event Permits
Applications for Special Event Permits must be submitted to the City Clerks Office 60 days before the proposed event.
The City Clerk's office is located at:
747 Market Street, Room 220, Tacoma, WA 98402
Events Listing
2010 Special Events
How to Apply
You may request an application from the City Clerk's Office or click the following link to print the form.
Special Event Permit Application
Chapter 11.15 of the Tacoma Municipal Code specifies the guidelines for issuing Special Event Permits. Please review this chapter before submitting your application.
Title 11, Chapter 11.15 - Special Events Permitting Code
Event Information
A special event is any organized formation, parade, procession or assembly consisting of 50 or more persons and which include animals, vehicles, or a combination of those things who wish to assemble or travel in unison on any street that does not comply with normal or usual traffic regulation or controls, or on a public beach, or public park or plaza which is gathered for a common purpose under the direction and control of a person or organization.
Examples of a special event are concerts, parades, circuses, fairs, festivals, block parties, community events, fund-raising events, private parties, promotional events, marathons and running events, bicycle races or tours.
The application fee is $20.00. However there may be other costs associated with the special event. These costs may include costs for police services, sanitation services, and/or additional permits required by the Public Works, Police, Fire and Health Departments or the Tax and License Division.
The time for processing a special event permit is 60 days and not more than two years before an event. An exception to this is an expressive activity, which allows a person or organization to file a permit application not less than seven calendar days before the event, or events at the Greater Tacoma Convention and Trade Center, the Tacoma Dome, the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts, or Cheney Stadium. Citizens or organizations wishing to use those facilities should contact those facilities.
Citizens wishing to use the Thea Foss Waterway Esplanade must submit an application to the Foss Waterway Owner's Association, at (253) 265-3042.
Generally speaking and with some exceptions the event organizer must possess or obtain comprehensive general liability insurance naming the City as additional insured and in a combined single limit of at least $1,000,000 and filed with the City Clerk.
Recycling at Special Events Brochure
For additional information or questions regarding special events please contact
April Larsen at (253) 591-5178.