Special Event Permits

Requirements

A special event permit is required for any event held on public property or any event that will affect city rights-of-way. Examples of special events include, but are not limited to, weddings, funerals, festivals, concerts, walks/runs, and uses/activities that impact regular park operations or normal park usage. In addition, if you plan on having more than 30 people gather at a park, you will need to obtain a special event permit. The application fee is $250 for a not-for-profit event or non-profit sponsored event, and $500 for a commercially sponsored event.  There may also be additional permits required.  City of Gig Harbor Sponsored events still require applying for and obtaining a permit, but there is no fee.

A special event permit application is due at least 60 days prior to the event date.  If the event constitutes a road closure, the application must be submitted no less than 90 days prior to the event date. 

A special expressive event is an event organized primarily to convey ideas, opinions, or thoughts through free speech/demonstrations or conduct. Examples of special expressive events include political demonstrations, rallies, picketing, and similar types of free speech or conduct typically given a higher level of constitutional protection than commercial speech. a special expressive event permit comes with at $0 application fee but still requires event insurance. To apply for a special expressive event permit, use the same application as a special event.

For information or questions regarding Special Event Permits, contact our Special Event Permit Coordinator Scott Keely at Skeely@gigharborwa.gov or call 253-851-8136 



Application Materials

  • Special Event Application (PDF) - Required for any event held on public property or any event that will affect city rights-of-way.
  • Encroachment Permit Application (PDF) - Required if an event takes place in the right-of-way and/or if signs such as sandwich boards/A-boards, banners, or balloon arches/signs will be placed in the public right-of-way (along roads or sidewalks).  Runs, parades, art shows, etc., that will be held in the right-of-way must include a temporary encroachment permit in addition to the special event permit application. Fee is $30.
  • Fire Code Permit Application (PDF) - Required if there will be use of fire pit, barbeque or other heated cooking surface, outdoor heaters, and/or if there will be any air supported temporary membrane structure or tent having an area in excess of 200 sq. ft. and canopies in excess of 400 sq. ft. See the Client Assistance Memo (PDF) for requirements on tents, canopies and membrane structures.  Fee is $60.
  • Temporary Sign Permit Application (PDF) - Required for any banner signs and/or balloon displays/arches.
  • Special Use Permits are required if your event is being held on private property, in a vacant lot, parking lot, or other location not permitted or licensed for such use. The application fee is $120 and there may be additional permits required.
  • Note: When an organization holds one event that spans both private and public property, a special event permit is required. The event will need to meet both sets of criteria for a special use and a special event, but only the special event application must be submitted.

If you have additional questions, please call (253) 851-8136.