The City of Lynnwood understands the importance of community events, festivals and celebrations in building a sense of community and making Lynnwood a great place to live, work and play. That’s why we want to make it easier for you to host events in our community by providing support with the permit process.
Special Event Permits are required for a special event occurring outdoors in a parking lot or on public property. Events contained to private property do not require a Special Event Permit. The use of city parks will not require a Special Event Permit from our office and would instead require coordination with the Parks Department. Site inspections, plan review, or additional permits may be required.
The following activities and occurrences are exempt from the Special Events Permit:
Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted at least 21 business days prior to the event. An application is not considered complete until the application form and fee has been received.
Time Frame
Application Status
Appeal Status
Fee Surcharge
>21 Business Days Prior to Event
Completed Applications Accepted for Review
Have the right to appeal denied application
N/A
10-21 Days Prior to Event
Waive the right to appeal denied application
50%
<10 Days Prior to Event
Application will not be accepted
Permit Fees
Event Recurrence
Application Fee*
Event Deposit**
Event
$170.00
$250.00
Same Event occurring 2 or more times in the same calendar year
$56.00 for each additional like event
$250.00 each event
Take a short survey to see if you need a permit:
When you are ready to apply for a permit, you will create an account and apply online through the permit portal. Once you've applied for a permit and your application is deemed complete, you will be notified to provide your special event permit submittal checklist. You will have three days to upload all of your submittal documents. After your documents have been received, your permit will be routed to all of the City departments that need to review and approve your permit. You may be required to resubmit items based on permit reviews. The City will approve, place conditions upon, or deny the event request. If approved, you must pay all permit fees to have your permit issued. Permit issuance may occur up until 1 business day prior to your event. The City has the discretion to deny any type of event if it is not in the best interest of the City or will create an undue burden on a geographic area.
Event organizers should be responsive to communication from the Development & Business Services (DBS) and should submit all required items by their deadline. Communication between the organizer and DBS is critical to ensure a smooth permitting process and a successful event. All special events are subject to the conditions outlined in the Special Event Permit and it is the organizer’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Event organizers should review the submittal checklist and guidebook listed under the "Get Ready" tab and begin preparing your submittal documents. You are required to submit the Project Narrative form at your initial application submission. Additional submittal items will be required within 3 business days of your application being accepted and deemed complete.
Event organizers must apply for special event permit online through the Development and Business Services online permitting portal. Be sure to consult the "Get Ready" page to download the permit submittal checklist and forms that will be required for your application.
Applications must be reviewed by multiple City departments prior to approval and/or permit issuance, which may take a few weeks to a month to complete. It is critical that you meet the application deadline for your event to allow for review and feedback.
City Departments that review Special Events applications are:
Depending upon the elements and infrastructure of your event, you may need to provide additional documents and items to support your application.
Please be sure to have the following application items ready:
Project Narrative(PDF, 645KB)
Property Owner Approval(PDF, 44KB)
Release & Hold Harmless Agreements
Certificate of Insurance
Emergency Plan
Plot or Site Plan Site Plan Example(PDF, 261KB)
Additional submittals may be required including:
After you have reviewed the "Get Ready" tab, downloaded the submittal checklist and required forms, and prepared your project narrative, you will need to apply for your special event permit online at the Development & Business Services online permitting portal. You will be required to upload your project narrative form to submit your application. After your application is accepted and deemed complete, you will have 3-business days to upload all additionally required supplemental materials.