Auburn, WA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit type
- Type B short-term right-of-way use permit
- Maximum duration
- Under 30 days
- Application fee
- Nonrefundable, per city fee schedule
- Downtown/citywide closures
- Require city engineer approval
- Abandonment
- After 180 days of applicant inaction
- Renewal
- Not available; Type B permits are one-time
Summary
Auburn treats a block party as a Type B short-term right-of-way use permit, covering closures of less than 30 days for sidewalk sales, rallies, and similar events. Applicants pay a nonrefundable fee and, for downtown or citywide-impact closures, need the city engineer's approval before the street can be blocked off.
Type B is a short-term permit for uses of less than 30 days. Type B permit uses include, but are not limited to, right-of-way closures for sidewalk sales, rallies, block parties, or other similar events and placement of storage containers or dumpsters in the right-of-way when not otherwise authorized as part of a permitted construction activity. Issuance of right-of-way use permits that involve downtown, community impacts, full street closures, or uses with policy implications shall require approval of the city engineer.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
040(B) specifically names block parties among the uses that fall under a Type B permit, alongside right-of-way closures for sidewalk sales, rallies, and placement of storage containers or dumpsters not tied to a construction permit. 020 requires a complete application, a nonrefundable application fee under the city of Auburn fee schedule, and any additional fee triggered by parking, traffic control, or pedestrian detour plans. 040(C)). 040(D). 020(G)). 020(H)). 070(C)). The city can suspend or revoke the permit on 30 days' notice, or immediately for a health or safety hazard.
Violations & Fines
Closing a street for a block party without a permit is an unauthorized right-of-way use under ACC 12.60.010 and 12.60.080. The city can issue a written notice of violation requiring correction within 10 days, declare unpermitted barricades or structures a nuisance removable within 24 hours at the organizer's expense, and bill abatement costs as a civil debt collectible against the responsible person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to close my street for a block party in Auburn?
How far in advance can I apply for a block party permit in Auburn?
Can I renew my Auburn block party permit for next year's event?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Block Party Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle block party permits.