Hillsboro, OR Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- 50+ attendees or ROW impact
- Lead time
- 60 days (90 for recurring)
- Also required
- Traffic plan and insurance
- Citation
- HMC § 9.36.020
Summary
Any Hillsboro street fair, festival or similar group activity with 50-plus attendees, vending, tents or major traffic impact on public rights-of-way requires a Special Event Permit before it can be held.
A.An Organizer wishing to hold a special event in the City must apply for and obtain a special event permit.B.It is unlawful to conduct a special event in the City without first obtaining a special event permit.C.The Manager may exempt the following events from the permitting process if a permit is not necessary to protect the public health and safety:1.Events held by the City or another governmental agency acting within the scope of their authorized function;2.Contractual agreements between the City and other entities that address the requirements of a special event permit;3.Impromptu or quickly organized events that have as a primary purpose lawfully engaging in free speech activities; and4.Funeral processions. (Ord. No. 6469, § 2, 5-21-2024)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 1 | Community Development Code: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
HMC 9.36.020 makes it unlawful to hold a special event in Hillsboro without first obtaining a Special Event Permit from the City Manager. The Code's definition of a qualifying special event expressly reaches street fairs and festivals: activities with an estimated 50 or more attendees on City property or public rights-of-way, or that use vending, tents over 400 square feet, temporary stages, amplified sound or alcohol. Applications are due at least 60 days ahead of the event, or 90 days for permits covering multiple recurring dates, under HMC 9.36.030-.040.
Violations & Fines
Running a street fair or festival without a Special Event Permit is unlawful under HMC 9.36.020(B), a Code violation carrying up to $500 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a City permit to run a street fair in downtown Hillsboro?
How far ahead should I apply for a Hillsboro street fair permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hillsboro
Compare Hillsboro to another location·View the Oregon special events & permits overview
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Street Fair Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Washington County handle street fair rules.