Application and Instructions

Applications Now Submitted via Eproval

Special Event Permit applications for events in 2026 are submitted and reviewed online via Eproval. To apply, you will need a free account with Eproval – to create an account, or to sign in to get started on your application, head to Eproval.

Prepare to pay fees. All Special Event Permit fees are due prior to the event start date. Invoices for fees associated with your event will be issued via Eproval. 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.

To fill out or update your special event application, please launch Eproval.

Carefully review the information in gray boxes as you are filling out the application.

All requested information in Eproval is required unless marked as “optional” in the application. All required fields must be filled out in order to submit your application. You can save your application and return to complete sections later. 

Depending on the details of your event, you may be working with several different agencies to obtain required permits and approvals. During the permitting process, please expect to work directly with the Special Events Office and various Special Events Committee agencies. 

Eproval How-To Videos

If you’re brand-new to Eproval, or need a refresher on how to use the software, we recommend watching the how-to videos below.  

If you have issues accessing Eproval please reach out to the Special Events Office via email specialeventsoffice@seattle.gov or call (206) 684-8017. 

Additional Documents for your Application

Depending on the elements of your event, additional documents may need to be uploaded to Eproval as part of your application.

Your event may also require permits or licenses from other agencies separate from the Special Events permit. Please review the Additional Event Permits section below to see what other permitting may apply.

Please follow recommended file naming conventions as noted within the Eproval application.

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. 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 and planning time. 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. Organizers of such events may submit their applications at any time before the scheduled event.

General Processing Timeline

You will receive an automatic notification from Eproval when your application is submitted. You can check the status of your overall application, as well as each section of your application, at any time in Eproval. 

10 Business Days After We Receive Your Application

  • We will request any additional information needed for your event application 
  • We will confirm the event category assignment 

14 Days After Application Received

  • We will inform you if there are any major issues that must be addressed in order to continue reviewing your application

30 Days Before Event

  • We will send you an invoice for Special Event Permit fees via Eproval. Fees must be paid prior to issuance of your permit.

3 to 15 Days Before Event

  • We will issue the final Special Event Permit via Eproval

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.