Special Events & Permits in Pierce County, WA (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Park Event Permits
Pierce County requires a permit from the Parks and Recreation Director before anyone can hold an organized run, walk, race, festival, carnival, parade, or other group gathering in a county park. PCC 14.08.040 also covers sound systems, vendors, and group activities that restrict public use, and the Director can deny, restrict, or relocate any request that would disturb other park users.
Pierce County Park Event Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsPCC 14.08.040
It shall be unlawful in any park, without first securing a permit from the Director or designee, for any person to: ... G. Hold any organized runs, walks, races, trials, or competitions; H. Hold any shows, festivals, fund raisers, carnivals, parades, or similar activities; I. Host-organized activities which utilize a substantial area in the park for group activities or which restrict public use...
Parade Permits
Any parade, motorcade, run, or public gathering expected to draw 150 or more people, tie up a public street, or need extra fire, police, or traffic-control support in unincorporated Pierce County needs an event approval from Planning and Public Works before it can happen, plus Sheriff sign-off on traffic and crowd control.
Pierce County Parade & Event Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsPierce County Code 18A.40.010
This Chapter shall apply to the following: A. Temporary events where the activity is not designated or intended as a permanent use, and the event is expected to result in any one or more of the following effects: 1. Gathering of 150 persons or more at any one time. 2. Disruption of the ordinary and normal use of a public facility or public right-of-way. 3. Requires increased public service abov...
Special Events & Permits by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own special events & permits rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
See every category we cover for Pierce County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Pierce County Ordinance Hub →