Auburn, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit needed for
- fairs, carnivals, shows, block parties, festivals
- Application deadline
- 90 days before the event
- Required insurance
- $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate
- Small-event exemption
- 50 or fewer people, no merchandise sales
- Appeal fee/window
- $250 fee, 14 days to city clerk
Summary
A street fair, carnival, or festival on Auburn's public property or rights-of-way needs a special event permit under ACC 2.23.040, since ACC 2.23.020(G) defines 'fairs' and similar gatherings as regulated special events. Applications are due 90 days ahead, and organizers post insurance and cover the city's added costs.
“Special event” means any function or gathering that is to be conducted on public property, on public rights-of-way, or on private property that will generate or invite considerable public participation and/or spectators, and may have an impact on transportation, public services or public safety, for a particular and limited purpose and time, including but not limited to: 1. Fun runs, roadway foot races, fundraising walks, bike-a-thons, car shows, parades, carnivals, shows or exhibitions, ... auctions and fairs. ... A special event permit is required for any special event as defined in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 7023, passed July 6, 2026).
Full Breakdown
020(G) defines a 'special event' broadly to include fun runs, car shows, parades, carnivals, shows or exhibitions, block parties, auctions, and fairs conducted on public property, public rights-of-way, or private property with the potential to substantially impact traffic or public services. 040(A) then requires a special event permit for any event meeting that definition. 050(A), and the committee can waive that deadline for good cause. 050(F). 100 that's refunded only if the site is left as it was found. 060, billing the organizer for any shortfall against the initial estimate. 040(B).
Violations & Fines
Failing to meet any special event permit condition is an infraction under Chapter 1.25 ACC per ACC 2.23.130. The city can also revoke the permit outright under ACC 2.23.120 if the organizer supplied materially false information, the event exceeds the scope approved, or an emergency makes continued operation unsafe. A denied applicant can appeal to the city clerk within 14 days for a $250 fee under ACC 2.23.110(A).
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead must I apply for a street fair permit in Auburn?
Does a small block party need a special event permit in Auburn?
What insurance does an Auburn festival organizer need?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Auburn
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Street Fair Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle street fair rules.