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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit issuer
Parks, Recreation & Golf Dept. director
Governs
Reserving any park area for exclusive use
Minimum signer age
18 (21 if alcohol served)
Max penalty
$1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail
Denial grounds
Safety, comfort or convenience disruption
Duty on request
Produce permit to director/designee

Summary

Reserving any part of a Spokane County park for exclusive use, from a picnic shelter to a full-day gathering, takes a permit from the Parks, Recreation & Golf Department director under SCC 6.14.040(10). The director can deny or restrict a permit if the event would disturb the safety, comfort or convenience of other park users, and permit holders must leave the site in satisfactory condition.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Spokane County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Unless otherwise provided for through an agreement adopted by the board of county commissioners, it shall be unlawful in any park, without first securing a permit or approval from the director or designee, for any person to: ...(10)Reserve a portion of a park for exclusive use... If the director or designee finds that safety, comfort, and convenience of the public's use of a park, or in the use of an area adjacent to a park, would be unduly disturbed, the director or designee may deny the application or impose restrictions upon the permit. This section is applicable only to events that require a permit... (2)No person under the age of eighteen may sign for and obtain a permit under this chapter. If alcohol is being consumed, the minimum age to obtain a permit is twenty-one.(3)All permit holders must leave the facility in a condition considered satisfactory to the director or designee.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 63).

Full Breakdown

040 lists thirteen activities that need a director-issued permit before they happen in any county park, and reserving a portion of a park for exclusive use is item (10). The same permit gate covers sound amplification systems, metal detectors, signage or advertising, selling refreshments or merchandise, watercraft-for-hire, organized runs or races, and fee or donation collection. The director or designee may deny an application, or attach restrictions, whenever the safety, comfort or convenience of the public's use of the park (or an adjacent area) would be unduly disturbed; the director can also issue permits for use after normal closing hours or for activities the list does not mention, with county risk manager sign-off.

050 governs administration once a permit is issued: the holder must produce and exhibit it on request, no one under 18 may sign for a permit (21 if alcohol will be served or consumed), and every permit holder must leave the reserved facility in a condition the director or designee considers satisfactory. 060, which lets the director allow possession or consumption in areas otherwise posted dry when the permit authorizes it. Reservations for parks, trails, golf courses and other Parks, Recreation & Golf Department facilities all fall under this same chapter regardless of the county park's size or location.

Violations & Fines

Violating the permit chapter is a misdemeanor under SCC 6.14.120, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, unless the county instead designates the specific violation a civil infraction under RCW 36.68.080 or SCC Chapter 5.04. Anyone in a county park who fails to comply with the county code or state law can also be ejected from the park or facility immediately. The Parks director or designee, the Spokane County Sheriff's Department, or any commissioned Washington law enforcement officer may enforce the chapter, and each day of a continuing violation counts as a separate offense under SCC 6.14.130.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to reserve a shelter or field in a Spokane County park?
Yes. SCC 6.14.040(10) makes it unlawful to reserve any portion of a county park for exclusive use without a permit from the Parks, Recreation & Golf Department director or designee, whether it is a picnic shelter, ballfield or open lawn area.
Who can sign for a Spokane County park event permit?
Only someone 18 or older may sign for and obtain the permit under SCC 6.14.050(2). If alcohol will be consumed at the event, the signer must be at least 21, and the county still controls where alcohol is allowed under SCC 6.14.060.
Can Spokane County deny my park reservation request?
Yes. Under SCC 6.14.040, the director or designee may deny the application or impose restrictions if the event would unduly disturb the safety, comfort or convenience of the public's use of the park or an adjacent area.
What happens if I hold an event in a county park without a permit?
It is a misdemeanor under SCC 6.14.120, carrying a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, and the county can eject participants from the park immediately regardless of any criminal charge.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spokane County

All Spokane County rules

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