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:
As we begin processing your materials, we will contact you with updates and requests to facilitate the approval process. At the same time, we will coordinate with multiple City departments to assess the needs of your event and to determine if the City will approve, place conditions upon, or deny the event request. 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.
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:
Communications Plan
Event Security Plan
Parking Assistant Plan
Property Owner Approval Form(PDF, 16KB)
Release & Hold Harmless Agreement Special Event Hold Harmless Agreement(PDF, 12KB)
Plot or Site Plan Site Plan Example(PDF, 261KB)
On-site and Off-site signage plan
Non-refundable permit fee of $170 for a single event and $56 for each additional like event
A refundable deposit of $250 (cash or check)