ADDITIONAL PERMITS
The Special Event Permit is designed to incorporate the most common types of permissions required for conducting special events, but certain elements of a particular event may require additional permits for other City of Seattle departments or outside agencies. See below for other permits that may be required, arranged alphabetically by main topic.
When Required: Selling and/or serving alcohol
Permit: Special Occasion License Banquet Permit
Department or Agency: Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board
When Required: If outside of these times: Monday - Friday 7AM-10PM Saturday - Sunday & Holidays 9AM-10PM
Permit: Temporary Noise Variance
Department or Agency: Department of Construction and Inspections
Notes: Apply via Seattle Services Portal
When Required: Displays or activities involving animals
Permit: Pet License Or Exotic Animal Permit
Department or Agency: Animal Shelter
Notes: Contact Special Events Office for information on Exotic Animal Permit
When Required: Vessels allowed only in designated area and by permit
Permit: Charter Vessel Permit
Department or Agency: Special Events Office
When Required: Event is partially or wholly in City Hall or on City Hall Plaza
Permit: Permission from building manager
When Required: Event is partially or wholly within a Park
Permit: Park Use Permit
Department or Agency: Parks and Recreation
When Required: Generators over 5kw
Permit: Electrical Permit
Department or Agency: Department of Construction and Inspections
When Required: Must meet strict guidelines to qualify as a farmers market
Permit: Collection of permits coordinated by Special Events Office
Department or Agency: Special Events Office / Office of Economic Development
When Required: Any performance involving open flame including spinning, fire fingers, staff. Fire breathing is not allowed.
Permit: Open Flame/Flame Effects
Department or Agency: Seattle Fire Department
When Required: Anytime fireworks or other pyrotechnics are used
Permit: Fireworks Use/Display
Department or Agency: Seattle Fire Department
When Required: Cooking and/or serving food or beverage
Permit:
Department or Agency: Public Health - Seattle & King County
When Required: Any mobile food vendor
Permit: Temporary Food Service
Department or Agency: Public Health - Seattle & King County
Notes: May also need open flame cooking permit from Seattle Fire Department; More info on establishing a mobile food business
When Required: Any cooking setup using propane, charcoal, or other open flame
Permit: Open Flame Cooking
Department or Agency: Seattle Fire Department
When Required: Event is partially or wholly within Seattle Center grounds
Permit: Use/Rental Agreement
Department or Agency: Seattle Center
When Required: Overall structure is greater than 4 feet high from the floor or grade
Permit: Temporary Structure Permit
Department or Agency: Department of Construction and Inspections
When Required: Tent greater than 400 square feet Canopy greater than 700 square feet
Permit: Tent or Air-Supported Structure
Department or Agency: Seattle Fire Department
Notes: See also Seattle Fire Department Tent Permit Procedures
When Required: To use public street curb space as a valet parking zone
Permit: Valet Parking Permit
Department or Agency: Special Events Office
When Required: Anyone conducting business in Seattle, including selling merchandise and services and/or promoting merchandise and services
Permit: Seattle Business License or Tradeshow License
Department or Agency: Finance & Administrative Services Department