Special Events & Permits in Bellingham, WA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Bellingham, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Small block parties in Bellingham skip special-event fees, insurance, and indemnification if they draw 300 people or fewer, close one residential block or less, and run 8 daylight hours or under.
Bellingham Block Party Permit Waiver
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.13.040
Block parties meeting all of the following criteria shall not be required to pay review fees or provide indemnification or insurance: a. The block party has an anticipated attendance of 300 people or fewer; and b. The block party will close off a residential street segment no more than one block in length, or a sidewalk or alley abutting a park, or an unopened right-of-way; and c. The block par...
Park Event Permits
Bellingham requires written permission from the parks and recreation director for special events in city parks, filed 30 to 365 days ahead, with a 20-day decision deadline and fees for reserved facilities.
Bellingham Park Event Permits
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 8.04.030
B. Written permission is required for special events or any other activities that are specifically prohibited by this chapter. Permission may be obtained by submitting a written application to the office of the director of parks and recreation at least 30 days, but no more than 365 days, in advance of the date of intended use... Complete applications shall be approved or denied within 20 days o...
Parade Permits
Anyone organizing a parade, athletic event, festival, rally or other special event in Bellingham that obstructs a public street, sidewalk or right-of-way must get a special event permit under BMC 13.13.030 before the event. The permit covers safety review, city services, fees and insurance; violating the chapter is a misdemeanor under BMC 13.13.120.
Bellingham Parade and Special Event Permits
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code §§ 13.13.020, 13.13.030
“Parade” means any march or procession consisting of people, animals, bicycles, vehicles or combination thereof, except funeral processions, on any public street, sidewalk, alley or other public right-of-way, which obstructs, delays or interferes with the normal flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or does not comply with traffic laws or controls. ... A. Any person or organization desiring ...
Parklets
Bellingham defines a parklet as a platform built in a former curbside parking space with seating, and requires a temporary right-of-way use permit from public works before anyone installs one in the city.
Bellingham Parklet Right-of-Way Permit
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.14.020(H); § 13.14.030(A)
"Parklet" means a platform constructed in a former curbside parking space that includes seating and/or other amenities. ... a temporary right-of-way use permit is required for any temporary use of a right-of-way that interferes with the free use, by the public, of such right-of-way. Such a permit is required for improved and unimproved rights-of-way.
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Bellingham requires a temporary right-of-way use permit from the Public Works Department before any business sets up a sidewalk cafe, streatery, or parklet in the public right-of-way under BMC 13.14. The process reviews traffic, pedestrian and infrastructure impacts, runs up to one year, and carries a $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance requirement plus an annual use fee for uses lasting 30 or more continuous days.
Bellingham Sidewalk Cafe & Streatery Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsBellingham Municipal Code § 13.14.020(L), (N); § 13.14.030(A)
L. “Sidewalk cafe” means tables, seating, and other amenities such as umbrellas, landscaping or fencing adjacent to a lawfully operating business establishment in or on the public right-of-way, maintained by the owner of such establishment for the use of patrons of the business. ... N. “Streatery” means an outdoor dining area occupying one or more on-street parking stalls that is an extension o...
Looking for Whatcom County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellingham city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Whatcom County →