Issaquah, WA Special Events & Permits: Parade Permits (2026)

Chapter 5.14 IMC defines a special event in § 5.14.010 as an event organized by any person that will generate or invite considerable public participation or spectators for a particular and limited purpose and time, including fun runs, roadway foot races, fundraising walks, bikeathons, parades, carnivals, shows, exhibitions, circuses and fairs. Special events are not limited to public streets and can occur entirely on private property. Section 5.14.020 makes it unlawful to hold or conduct one, or to use any street, right-of-way or other public place for any purpose, without a permit in full force and effect. Events held entirely on private property are exempt if they are school or church dances, temporary business sales such as holiday, grand opening or anniversary sales, garage and rummage sales, film exhibitions, or similar events that do not directly affect or use City services.

Applications go to the City Administrator at City Hall on City forms (§ 5.14.030). They state the applicant's name, address, telephone number and date of birth, describe the event and its duration, give the location and dimensions of any structure, say whether a City street or right-of-way is needed, and estimate attendance. A nonrefundable application fee under IMC 3.64.010 applies, which the City Administrator can reduce for undue hardship. The City Administrator refers the application to the appropriate departments, which report back within 10 working days (§ 5.14.040).

Section 5.14.050 sets the issuance criteria. The event cannot unreasonably endanger participants, spectators or the public, or unreasonably interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic, and adequate parking plans must exist. Where City streets or property are used, the applicant must agree to indemnify, defend and hold the City harmless, carry comprehensive general liability insurance in an amount the City Administrator deems necessary with the City of Issaquah as an additional named insured, and reimburse the City for added services such as police officers directing traffic or standby aid car or fire protection. The City Administrator denies a permit that fails the criteria or issues it with conditions. Decisions are final unless appealed to the City Council under Chapter 1.32 IMC (§ 5.14.080).