Special Events & Permits in Shoreline, WA (2026)
5 verified special events & permits rules for Shoreline, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Shoreline lets residents close a street for a block party only under a right-of-way permit and the notice standards in SMC § 12.15.130: signs posted at least three days ahead, and any residential closure over 12 straight hours needs a detour plan plus newspaper notice.
Shoreline Temporary Street Closure Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 12.15.130
The city will discourage street closures and strongly discourage arterial street closures. In the event of street closure, the following standards apply except when a right-of-way permit issued pursuant to this chapter provides otherwise: A. Signs notifying the public of the upcoming closure shall be posted in a conspicuous place at each end of the roadway to be closed and at all intersections ...
Park Event Permits
To reserve a Shoreline park facility, athletic field, tennis court or community center for a nonroutine event, SMC § 8.12.040 requires a facility use permit issued by the parks department. Applicants submit a form with the Chapter 3.01 SMC fee and any security deposit, and the director can add conditions or cancel a permit for a rule violation.
Shoreline Park Facility Use Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 8.12.040
A. Facilities may be rented or reserved for nonroutine use on an individual or ongoing basis through the issuance of a facility use permit. If the proposed use pertains to filmmaking, then Chapter 5.25 SMC, Filmmaking Regulations, applies in lieu of a facility use permit. ... ... C. All applications for a facility use permit shall be submitted on forms provided by the department and shall inclu...
Parade Permits
Any parade, race, or procession on a Shoreline street or sidewalk needs a right-of-way use permit from Public Works and Utilities under SMC § 12.15.030(D). The department can add police-escort, insurance, and cleanup conditions, and can extend the permit past the normal 180-day cap only for specific listed uses.
Shoreline Parade and Street Event Permit
Significant RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 12.15.030
A. Applicability. ... A right-of-way permit shall be required for all construction and usage activities within the public right-of-way as described in this chapter. ... ... D. Right-of-Way Use Permits. The purpose of use permits is to allow short-term activities and temporary alteration of the right-of-way so as not to unreasonably obstruct, hinder, jeopardize, injure, or delay the use of the r...
Street Fair Rules
A street fair, festival or other large gathering that uses a Shoreline street needs a right-of-way use permit under SMC § 12.15.030(D), which lists "assemblies, fairs, carnivals, shows, exhibitions, or large gatherings of people" among the covered activities. Organizers apply to the Public Works and Utilities Department at least 10 working days ahead, pay a fee, and can hold the right-of-way for up to 180 days.
Shoreline Street Fair Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 12.15.030(D)
All use of the right-of-way shall be for a lawful purpose and shall not breach the peace or adversely interfere with public use of the right-of-way. ... ... 1. Right-of-way use permits may be issued for the following activities: ... ... m. Assemblies, fairs, carnivals, shows, exhibitions, or large gatherings of people that may use or obstruct the right-of-way with people, vehicles, and signs an...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
A restaurant that wants tables on a Shoreline sidewalk needs a right-of-way site permit, not just a business license. SMC § 12.15.030(C)(1)(g) names "sales structures, including sidewalk cafes" as a use eligible for this permit, but only where the adjacent zoning already allows it, and most sidewalk cafe permits carry an ongoing fee on top of the application charge.
Shoreline Sidewalk Cafe Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsShoreline Municipal Code § 12.15.030(C)(1)(g)
1. If the use is allowed in the adjacent zoning designation, a right-of-way site permit may be issued for: ... ... g. Sales structures, including sidewalk cafes, telephone booths or the usage of the right-of-way for the sale of flowers, food or beverages, newspapers, or other items;
Looking for King County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Shoreline city rules.
Special Events & Permits in King County →