Special Events & Permits in Auburn, WA (2026)
6 verified special events & permits rules for Auburn, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Auburn treats a block party as a Type B short-term right-of-way use permit, covering closures of less than 30 days for sidewalk sales, rallies, and similar events. Applicants pay a nonrefundable fee and, for downtown or citywide-impact closures, need the city engineer's approval before the street can be blocked off.
Block Party Permit Rules in Auburn
Some RestrictionsACC 12.60.040(B), (C)
Type B is a short-term permit for uses of less than 30 days. Type B permit uses include, but are not limited to, right-of-way closures for sidewalk sales, rallies, block parties, or other similar events and placement of storage containers or dumpsters in the right-of-way when not otherwise authorized as part of a permitted construction activity. Issuance of right-of-way use permits that involve...
Park Event Permits
Anyone organizing entertainment, a demonstration, or a public gathering in an Auburn park needs a permit from the parks director under ACC 2.22.040. Applications are due at least one month before the event, and the director weighs park size, expected noise, and policing needs before approving, restricting, or denying the request.
Auburn Park Event and Gathering Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsACC 2.22.040
Any person who conducts or participates in any organized entertainment, demonstration, or public gathering in any park shall obtain a permit from the director. ... A. Any person seeking to obtain a permit shall file a written application with the director no later than one month prior to the date of the proposed use. The application shall state the purpose for which the park would be used, the ...
Parade Permits
Anyone organizing a parade, march or similar public procession in Auburn needs a permit from the police chief, with the mayor's concurrence, under ACC 10.64.030. Applications cost $25.00, must be filed 10 to 30 days ahead with the chief of police, and the fee is waivable for nonprofit organizations.
Auburn Parade Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsACC 10.64.030
10.64.030 Permit - Required. No person shall engage in, participate in, aid, form or start any parade, unless a parade permit has been obtained from the Auburn police chief, with the concurrence of the mayor; provided, this chapter shall not apply to: A. Funeral procession, provided such vehicles are marked or distinguished by illuminated headlights; B. Students going to and from school classes...
Street Fair Rules
A street fair, carnival, or festival on Auburn's public property or rights-of-way needs a special event permit under ACC 2.23.040, since ACC 2.23.020(G) defines 'fairs' and similar gatherings as regulated special events. Applications are due 90 days ahead, and organizers post insurance and cover the city's added costs.
Auburn Street Fair and Festival Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsACC 2.23.020(G), 2.23.040(A)
“Special event” means any function or gathering that is to be conducted on public property, on public rights-of-way, or on private property that will generate or invite considerable public participation and/or spectators, and may have an impact on transportation, public services or public safety, for a particular and limited purpose and time, including but not limited to: 1. Fun runs, roadway f...
Commercial Filming on Public Right-of-Way
Because ACC 2.23.020(G) counts filming/movies among the activities defined as a special event, a commercial production shooting in Auburn's public spaces triggers ACC 2.23.030(B)(4): the staff review committee must decide whether the shoot also needs a separate business license under ACC Title 5, and whether to exempt it.
Auburn Business License Rules for Filming
Some RestrictionsACC 2.23.030(A), (B)(4)
A. The mayor shall direct directors and representatives of various departments of the city whose departments may be involved in or whose operations and functions may be impacted by special events to serve as a staff review committee, for the purpose of meeting and reviewing proposals for events. ... B. The staff review committee shall be responsible for: ... 4. Determining whether a business li...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Auburn requires a Type C right-of-way use permit before a restaurant or cafe can put tables and chairs on the sidewalk outside its building. The city engineer reviews insurance, bonding and encroachment details under Chapter 12.60 ACC, and approval can be revoked for code violations, changed use, or fraud in the application.
Auburn Sidewalk Cafe Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsACC 12.60.015(I); 12.60.050(B)
“Sidewalk cafe” means a portion of a public right-of-way on which tables and chairs are placed for the use of patrons while consuming food and/or beverages served by a cafe or restaurant on abutting property. ... Type C permit uses include, but are not limited to, groundwater monitoring wells, landscaping, fences, awnings, canopies, balconies, underground storage tanks, bus shelters, undergroun...
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Auburn city rules.
Special Events & Permits in King County →