Bothell, WA Special Events & Permits: Park Event Permits (2026)

BMC § 8.60.040(A) makes it unlawful to hold, sponsor, or participate in any formal gathering without a written permit. A fee is charged for each permit as set forth in BMC 3.40.010, which requires each individual or group reserving a city park facility to pay a park reservation fee adopted by resolution of the city. Under BMC 3.40.020 those fees go into park fund No. 104 or another fund the city council designates. The code sections read here do not print a dollar amount. The parks and recreation department can grant permits to community groups to meet in its buildings or other facilities without charge, but only if the facility is not otherwise required by the department and the activity is conducted in accordance with the city's standards, is open to the general public without discrimination, and is scheduled during hours when the facility is regularly open.

Large groups or rallies are permitted in Bothell parks only where facilities are adequate and the activity will not conflict in any way with normal park usage. Permission must be obtained in advance from the parks and recreation director or the director's designee, and permission for loudspeakers must also be obtained in advance. BMC 8.60.370 separately requires a written permit for amplified sound in any park area. For building use, activities Sundays through Thursdays normally cease at 11:00 p.m. and on Fridays and Saturdays groups must be out of the facilities by 12:00 a.m., unless the use permit approves otherwise.

Permit holders must leave facilities in a condition satisfactory to the inspecting employee, protect and hold the city harmless from claims arising from the use, and keep adults present and responsible at all assemblies of minors. Sponsors of community events must carry public liability and property insurance acceptable to the city, with limits set by the city manager. The department can cancel a reservation for cause or for priority use, with at least 24 hours of notice for priority use and notice at any time for emergency cancellation. Appeals of an approval, conditional approval or denial go to the city clerk within three days, and the city manager issues a final decision within seven days of filing.