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Special Event Permits
HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT in Redmond
Our goal is to help you create a safe and successful event that will contribute to the culture of our great city. We have designed this page to be a resource for you and to assist you with the planning of your special event. If you get stuck or have questions along the way, contact eventpermit@redmond.gov to speak to a member of our team.
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- Types of Permits
- Special Event Permit Process
- Special Event Permit Timeline & Requirements
- Find a Special Event Venue
Special Event Permit
A Special Event Permit approves and authorizes the event and enables the City of Redmond to schedule adequate support services such as police, traffic control, and Emergency Medical Services to support the event and its safety.
“Special event” means any activity including, but not limited to, a fair, festival, concert, demonstration, rally, performance, show, parade, run/walk/cycle, or other publicly attended activity, entertainment, or celebration which is held in whole or in part upon publicly owned property, streets, sidewalks, trails, walkways or on other public rights-of-way, or if occurring on private property, will nevertheless affect, impact or interfere with the standard, ordinary, and normal use of public property, streets, rights-of-way, walkways, or sidewalks by the general public within the vicinity of such event and/or requires the use of city services. RMC 10.62, Permits for Special Events.
Miscellaneous Park Use Permit
Miscellaneous Park Use Permits are required for non-traditional park activities occurring in Redmond Parks. A “non-traditional park activity” is any activity or gathering that is not permitted by current regulations, park rules, or other existing permits. Some examples include large group gatherings, running, walking, and biking events that remain inside a park, facilities that cannot be rented through our current established rental programs, the use of amplified sound in parks that cannot be accommodated through current established rental programs, and using a metal detector in a park.
The application review process for Miscellaneous Use Permits depends on the scope of the proposed activity, however, a minimum of 30-day notice is expected.
Fees: $25 application fee, $45 Hourly Park Use Fee, and staffing fees if applicable.
Film and Photo Permit
Film and Photo Permits are required for filming of photography in Redmond public spaces including parks, community centers, and other public rights of way.
The application review process for Film and Photo Permits depends on the scope of the proposed activity, however, a minimum of 30-day notice is expected.
Fees: $25 application fee, $50 hourly Non-Commercial Permit Fee or $75 hourly Commercial Permit Fee, and staffing fees or other permit fees if applicable.
Step 1: Review the Special Events Guide
Before applying, review the Special Events Guide. The guide contains information on event requirements, fees, and helpful resources for filling out the application and planning your event.
Applications are due no less than 90 days prior to your event. Applications received in less than 90 days are subject to denial or additional late fees.
Step 2: Complete the Special Event Permit Application Packet
The Special Event Application Packet serves as your official intent to apply. The packet must be completed in FULL in order to be accepted and routed to the Special Events Committee. A complete Special Event Permit Application Packet includes:
- A Special Event Application
- A proposed site or route map
- A list of activities
- A detailed timeline that includes all setup, clean-up, deliveries or pick-ups, and open hours of the event.
Step 3: Submit the Special Event Application Packet
Send your Special Event Application Packet to:
- By email to EventPermit@Redmond.gov
- By mail to:
Redmond City Hall
ATTN: Special Events, MS: 4NPK
PO Box 97010
Redmond, WA 98073
Step 4: Application Review
Your completed application packet will be routed for review by our Special Events Committee and Parks and Recreation Department staff members. Conditions, additional permits, licenses, and fees may be required upon review.
Step 5: Issue Permit and Invoice
When the permit receives final approval, we will issue the special event permit with an invoice for all associated costs. They will be delivered by email to the email address listed on your application. No fee waivers or discounts will be provided for Event Permits.
Below is a list of the event requirements, along with the established deadlines. Each event is unique and may require some or all of the below requirements. All events are reviewed by the Special Events Committee.
Due 90 Days Prior to the Event
- A fully completed application packet including:
- A Special Event Application
- A proposed Site Map and Route Map (if applicable)
- A list of event activities
- A detailed timeline of events
- The non-refundable $75 application fee
- A fee is charged via invoice after the application is submitted and received by the City. Payment can be made by card or check.
- A Pre-Event Walk-through of the event site (may be required depending on scope of the event)
Due 60 Days Prior to the Event
- A Certificate of Liability Insurance, $1,000,000 each occurrence, naming the City of Redmond as additional insured
- Request for road closures, traffic control, or Police support
- Temporary Structure / Tent Permit
- Master Business License
- Emergency plan
- A signed Hold Harmless Agreement form
Due 30 Days Prior to the Event
- Any related event brochures, posters, or mailings
- Final Site Map
- Final Traffic Control Plan
- Final Payment
Additional items and full payment are due 30 days prior to the event, at which time the final approved permit would be issued.
We encourage you to reach out to find the best site in Redmond for your event! Out of the 1,351 acres of parks and trails in Redmond, there is a park ready to accommodate small activities up to large scale festivals.
Our most requested parks for events are:
*Municipal Campus is currently undergoing major construction. Vehicle access and event space are limited for large scale events.