Special Events & Permits in Whatcom County, WA (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Whatcom County, Washington.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Parade Permits

Whatcom County requires a county permit before anyone hosts an outdoor musical entertainment, amusement or assembly expected to draw 2,000 or more people, run five hours or longer, and charge admission, under WCC 5.40.010 and Chapter 70.108 RCW. The promoter must also post a cash deposit or surety bond, provide parking for one vehicle per four attendees, and end the event by midnight.

Whatcom County Outdoor Assembly Permit Rules

Significant Restrictions

Whatcom County Code § 5.40.010

It is unlawful for any person, persons, organization, landowner, or lessor to allow, encourage, organize, promote, conduct, permit or cause to be advertised an entertainment, amusement, or assembly of persons wherein one of the primary purposes will be the presentation of outdoor, live, or recorded musical entertainment, which said person, persons, or corporation, organization, landowner or les...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Special Events & Permits by City in Whatcom County

1 cities in Whatcom County have their own special events & permits rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

BellinghamPop. 91,482

5 verified rules • Block Party Permits, Parade Permits

All Whatcom County ordinances

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