Island County, WA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- gatherings of 100+ for music
- Application filed
- 90+ days ahead
- Permit fee
- $500 per event
- Bond required
- $25,000 cash or surety
- Location buffer
- 1,000 ft from schools/churches/homes
- Hours barred
- 12:01 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Summary
Any outdoor entertainment, amusement or assembly in unincorporated Island County expected to draw 100 or more people for live or recorded music needs a county permit under Chapter 5.08. Organizers file with the Board of County Commissioners at least 90 days out, post a $25,000 bond, and carry substantial liability insurance before the event can go forward.
It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, corporation, organization, landowner, or lessor to allow, encourage, organize, promote, conduct, permit, or cause to be advertised an entertainment, amusement, or assembly of persons wherein the primary purpose will be the presentation of outdoor, live or recorded musical entertainment which said person, persons, corporation, organization, landowner, or lessor believes or has reason to believe will attract 100 or more persons unless a valid county permit has been obtained for the operation of said outdoor public amusement, entertainment, or assembly. ... A.No public amusement, entertainment, or assembly may be held in Island County outside the limits of incorporated cities and towns unless the person or persons sponsoring said rock music, band, and/or youth festival shall first obtain a permit as hereinafter provided, and shall comply with all regulations herein provided and that the fee for such permit to meet the cost of administering the same shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each event.
Full Breakdown
010 makes it unlawful to organize, promote or advertise an outdoor musical entertainment, amusement or assembly expected to attract 100 or more persons without a county permit; one permit is required per event. ; the applicant must be on-site three hours before the event and throughout it. 030), and the board must approve or deny within 60 days, with denials appealable to Superior Court within 15 days. 050) and carry liability coverage of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence, and $100,000 in property damage naming Island County as additional insured.
060 conditions approval on Health Department sign-off on water, toilet and noise standards, Building Official-approved fire protection where more than 10 people may gather, one traffic officer per 100 attendees, one parking space per 4 attendees, and a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, churches and homes. 070, requiring fingerprints and a photograph.
Violations & Fines
Violating chapter 5.08 is a gross misdemeanor under section 5.08.090, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, up to one year in the county jail, or both, and it works an automatic forfeiture of at least $1,000 of the required bond. Noncompliance with the permit's health, sanitation or safety conditions is also declared a public nuisance subject to criminal, civil and equitable remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a small backyard party in Island County?
How far in advance must I apply for an outdoor assembly permit?
What happens if I hold the event without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Island County
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