Bend, OR Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Public gathering of more than 150 persons
- Permit required
- City special event permit, Bend Code § 7.40.010
- Lead time
- 90 days new event, 60 days repeat event
- Park District coordination
- Required under Bend Code § 7.40.120
- Waiver
- Only if no safety issue or City service needed
Summary
A gathering of more than 150 people open to the public on City of Bend property, including a city park, or on the right-of-way is a 'special event' under Bend Code § 7.40.005(E) and cannot happen without a City special event permit under § 7.40.010(A). Applications need 60 to 90 days' lead time.
E. Special event includes all gatherings of more than 150 persons open to the public on City property or right-of-way. “Special event” includes parades. ... A. ... Special events are prohibited without a City special event permit. ... D. ... Applications for special event permits must be submitted as far in advance as possible and no less than 90 days if for a new event and no less than 60 days if a repeat event in advance of the event in order to allow time for review by all affected City departments. ... The Bend Park and Recreation District and the Bend-LaPine School District shall inform the City of any event held on their property by a third party when they receive the application for the event, and shall coordinate with the City regarding impacts on public safety, rights-of-way, or City property.
Full Breakdown
005(E) defines 'special event' broadly as 'all gatherings of more than 150 persons open to the public on City property or right-of-way,' a definition that reaches reserving a city park for a large public gathering as well as parades and street festivals. 020, must include a description of the event and expected attendance, an accessibility plan, a security or crowd-management plan, a parking plan, a communications plan, a traffic control plan, a sanitation plan, a fire protection plan, a site map, proof of neighborhood-association notice, and evidence of insurance, plus a fee set by Council resolution and reimbursement of the City's actual costs.
010(D), with a pre-application conference required for first-time events. 120 requires the District to notify the City when it receives the application and to coordinate on public safety, right-of-way and City-property impacts. 015 only when no significant public health, safety or welfare issue and no City service is involved.
Violations & Fines
Holding an unpermitted special event, including an oversized park gathering, violates Bend Code § 7.40.010(A)'s outright prohibition. The City can deny a permit under § 7.40.080 or suspend and revoke one already issued under § 7.40.075, and a denial or revocation may be appealed under § 7.40.085. Organizers also remain responsible for reimbursing any City costs the event generates beyond the deposit collected at application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to hold a large gathering in a Bend city park?
How far ahead do I need to apply for a Bend park event permit?
What does a Bend special event permit application require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bend
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