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Application Process
In order to expedite your Special Event permit application, Bellingham uses a team review
process that includes representatives from the following City departments, as needed:
Public Works
Parks & Recreation
Fire
Planning & Community Development (which includes Building Services)
Police
The review team may condition your Special Event permit by imposing reasonable
requirements concerning the time, place, and manner of the event necessary to protect the
safety and rights of people and property and the control of traffic. It is in the best interest of
your event to work with this review team well in advance to insure all conditions can be met.
Additional review and approval may be necessary from agencies outside the City of Bellingham,
including, but not limited to:
State Liquor and Cannabis Board;
State Department of Transportation;
Port of Bellingham;
Whatcom Transportation Authority;
Whatcom County Health Department or other County departments; and/or
Other agencies, depending on whether elements of your Special Event are within their
jurisdiction.
This is not an exhaustive list. It is the event organizer's responsibility to make sure approval
from outside agencies is granted prior to the date of the event. Links are included in the topic
areas to assist you where possible.
Step 1 - Determine the event date and time
Research and consider what other events may be scheduled. The City's online events calendar
(www.cob.org/events) and the Bellingham/Whatcom County Tourism calendar of events
(www.bellingham.org/event-calendar/) are good resources for this information.
City facilities are available on a first-come, first-served basis. See the City Venues and Facilities topic area
for additional information. We recommend you begin planning your event at least 6 months in advance
of the intended date. Special Event permit applications may be submitted up to a year in advance of the
proposed event date.
Step 2 - Initial Inquiry to City Review Team (OPTIONAL)
If you have questions about the application or permit requirements after consulting this Special Event
Guide, contact the Permit Center at (360) 778-8300 or permits@cob.org and our staff will be happy to
help guide you in the preparation of your application materials.