1
Introduction
The community is enriched by a full range of cultural and community events. This Special Event
Guide has been created as a resource to assist event sponsors in the production of safe, well‐
organized, and low‐impact events.
A Special Event is defined as:
1. Temporary ‐ not a normal use of a
facility or property;
2. A large number of people watching
and/or participating; and/or
3. Involves or impacts the public realm
(for examples, by requiring City
services beyond the normal capacity,
generating traffic, parking, noise,
etc).
Examples of Special Events include carnivals, parades, races/fun runs, festivals, block parties,
film crews, temporary use of a building outside the normal approved occupancy (e.g. haunted
house, reception in a warehouse, etc) and more.
A Special Event Permit is not required for:
1. Funeral and wedding processions;
2. Students going to and from school classes or participating in educational
activities;
3. A governmental agency acting within the scope of its functions;
4. A Special Event occurring in a City park that does not require review by City
departments other than the Parks and Recreation Department and are not
expected to impact the normal use of the park or City services.
The City's rules and regulations for Special Events are contained in Bellingham Municipal Code
(BMC) 13.13. Any inconsistencies between this guide and the BMC shall be resolved in favor of
the BMC.
DowntownRace,KenniMerritt
