Street Use Permits for Special Events

To download a PDF of the Client Assistance Memo which details how to get a street use permit for your special event, click here

Street Fairs, Farmer’s Markets and Sidewalk Sales

These activities and many others enliven streetscapes and lend a special charm to our city. But what would happen in an emergency if a street were closed? Things would be chaotic. A street use permit, for a special activity, provides the necessary notification to various city departments and authorizes the use of public right-of-way.

Fees, Insurance and other Requirements

The Permit

SDOT issues street use permits for any event that temporarily closes a street or sidewalk, exclusive of, escorted processions, parades, or any activity in which Police Department personnel are required. Police Department personnel are required. Please be aware: non-movable items cannot be erected in the street.

The Street Use Permit Counter is located on the 37th Floor of Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Avenue. The counter's operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

The permitting process can be easy if you know what to expect. Fill out the application. When completing the form - under ‘Work Description’ mark the section for ‘Street Barricading’ and include the following information:

1. Estimated number of people you expect to attend.
2. Date of your event.
3. Beginning and ending times.
4. A sketch or plot which shows the street you want to close.
5. Identify the neighborhood group or organization that is sponsoring the event.
6. The name, address, and telephone number of the contact person.

Your application must be received at least 28 days before your event.

Special Events Description

Special Events are different from neighborhood block parties in that they are open to the general public.

During the event, “STREET CLOSED” signs and barricades, are required. These signs must meet SDOT requirements and be supplied by the group or persons requesting the street or sidewalk closure. For specific details, you can link to the Seattle Traffic Control Manual webpage. The Neighborhood Block Party closure signs would not be acceptable.

The fee for Special Event permits is $101.00 plus a $75.00 inspection fee for a total of $176.00 per event. For Special Events that anticipate 300 or more people or include activities that end after dark - you must submit a Certificate of Insurance with a minimum liability of $1,000,000. See CAM 2102 at Street Use Forms, Publications and Client Assistance Memos for more information.

DO NOT send in payment with your letter of application. Fees are collected at the time the permit is issued, and can be made with a credit card, or a check payable to the City of Seattle.

To submit your application:

Mail: Karyn Keeler
SDOT – Street Use Division
P.O. Box # 34996
Seattle , WA 98124-4996
Fax: Attn: Karyn Keeler
(206) 684-5347

Email your application to:

SDOTPermits@seattle.gov, or call (206) 684-5284.

If you have questions, please email:

E-mail: karyn.keeler@seattle.gov

Events Requiring Seattle Police Attendance

If your event requires the assistance of the Seattle Police Department, or you expect attendance greater than 300 persons, permit requirements and procedures may be different. Contact the chairperson of the Special Events Committee to learn more:

Virginia Swanson
Seattle Parks Department
860 Terry Avenue N.
Seattle , WA 98109
Phone: (206) 684-8017
Fax: (206) 684-4853
E-mail: Virginia.Swanson@seattle.gov