Issaquah, WA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Issaquah has no separate block party section. Section 5.14.020 makes it unlawful to use any street, right-of-way, or other public place in the City for any purpose without a permit issued by the City, and § 5.14.010(B) defines use to include occupying a street in a manner that obstructs public use of it. A neighborhood event that closes a street therefore needs the chapter's permit even when it is not a large organized special event.

An applicant files a written application with the City Administrator at City Hall under § 5.14.030. When the permit sought is for use of a City street not connected with a special event, the application must give a full description of the use and its duration, the location and dimensions of the proposed use and any structure on the street, and the dimensions of the street or right-of-way that remain unobstructed. The application carries a nonrefundable fee under IMC 3.64.010, which the City Administrator can reduce for undue hardship. Departments report on the application within 10 working days (§ 5.14.040).

The City Administrator issues the permit under § 5.14.050 only after comments from the Chief of Police, Public Works Director and Fire Chief, and only if every criterion is met. The use cannot unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic flow, cannot intrude into the traveled right-of-way in a way likely to endanger vehicles or pedestrians, and must leave a minimum of 3 feet of unobstructed sidewalk or walkway where a sidewalk is partly obstructed. Any closure of a public street or walkway cannot run longer than the period established by the City Administrator. The applicant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless, maintains liability insurance naming the City as additional insured, and reimburses the City for added services such as police officers who block traffic. The City Administrator subscribes or attaches all permit conditions to the permit.