Special Events & Permits in Yakima, WA (2026)
4 verified special events & permits rules for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Block Party Permits
Yakima carves block parties out of its full special event permit process: YMC § 9.70.030(b)(10) exempts them from the standard special-event application but still requires organizers to go through "a separate, streamlined city process," and public-safety compliance and enforcement still apply.
Yakima Block Party Streamlined Permit Process
Light RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 9.70.030(a), (b)(10)
(a) Although not required to be issued a special event permit, an event organizer of an activity exempted from this chapter is required to comply with all local, state and federal laws and regulations governing public safety or health. (b) The following activities are exempt from having to obtain a special event permit: ... (10) Block parties, which must be applied for through a separate, strea...
Parade Permits
Parades and other special events on Yakima streets or public property need a special event permit from the city's economic development manager before they can happen.
Yakima parade and special event permit
Significant RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 9.70.020(a)
Except as provided elsewhere in this chapter, any person or entity who conducts, promotes, or manages a special event shall first obtain a special event permit from the economic development manager. (b) The economic development manager is authorized to issue permits for special events occurring within the city limits, pursuant to the procedures established in this chapter. The economic devel...
Street Fair Rules
Yakima requires a special event permit before any street fair or festival, and only vendors authorized under that permit can sell goods, food, or drinks at the event.
Yakima Street Fair Vendor Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 9.70.260(b)
Vendors authorized to sell goods, food, or beverages in the special event venue shall display their authorization in the manner required by the economic development manager. Only vendors displaying the required authorization shall be allowed to sell goods, food, or beverages in the special event venue. Each vendor shall be solely responsible for reporting and payment of applicable fees and taxe...
Sidewalk Dining & Cafés
Operating a sidewalk cafe on a public right-of-way in Yakima requires a written permit from the code administration manager, plus a $50 fee, insurance and an annual renewal.
Yakima Sidewalk Cafe Permit
Some RestrictionsYakima Municipal Code § 5.80.010
It is unlawful to a) operate a sidewalk cafe or b) erect or maintain any shrub, plant, structure or container of any type or nature within public right-of-way in any commercial or industrial zoning district without a written permit to do so from the code administration manager or his/her designee. The permit required under this chapter is separate from and in addition to the business license is...
Looking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Special Events & Permits in Yakima County →