Olympia, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Olympia Municipal Code § 12.72.060 (chapter 12.72)
- Application deadline
- At least ninety (90) days before the event
- Street use rate
- $50 per lineal street block, per day or partial day
- Admission
- No fee or donation for admission on City property
- Food areas
- Minimum of three (3) service animal signs, 2 by 3 feet
- Appeal window
- Ten (10) calendar days from notice of denial or revocation
Summary
In the City of Olympia, Washington, a festival event on city property or city right-of-way needs a Festival Event permit, applied for at least ninety days ahead. Street use costs $50 per lineal street block per day, and the sponsor can collect vendor fees but cannot charge admission.
A. The city may include in a Festival Event permit, among other provisions, reasonable terms or conditions as to the: 1) time, place and manner of the event; 2) compliance with health and sanitary regulations; 3) provision of emergency services, security, and other services deemed necessary by the city for health, safety, and welfare purposes; and 4) payment of or reimbursement for city costs associated with the event. ... B. In addition to the reasonable terms and conditions that may be included in a Festival Event permit, a Festival Event permit shall ensure that: ... 1. No fee may be charged nor donations solicited for admission to a Festival Event located on City properties or rights-of-way or any entertainment venue at the event located on City properties or rights-of-way. This condition does not prevent the event sponsor from collecting vendor fees and charges, or allowing the sale of goods and services at the event, or soliciting or allowing the solicitation of donations for support of non-profit organizations in a manner such that the solicitation would not reasonably be construed by the general public as a charge or donation for admissions.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 12.72 of the Olympia Municipal Code governs Festival Events on City of Olympia property and rights-of-way. Section 12.72.020 defines a festival event as an event held in a fixed location on city property or city right-of-way which the general public can attend, and lists arts and craft shows, carnivals, circuses, dances, fairs, flea markets and similar events. A vendor is anyone who sells goods or services at the event, including concessions, food counters and booths for crafts, memorabilia and souvenirs. Section 12.72.030 requires a Festival Event permit, with the application submitted at least ninety (90) days before the proposed date.
The city manager or designee approves, denies, modifies or conditions the application under 12.72.050. Section 12.72.060 sets the permit terms quoted above: the City can condition time, place and manner, health and sanitary compliance, emergency services and security, and reimbursement of city costs. Admission cannot be charged on City property, but the sponsor can collect vendor fees. The sponsor handles set up, take down and litter clean-up, and no stakes, pegs or other affixed hardware go into city property unless the permit allows it. Where food is sold or served, the sponsor must post a minimum of three (3) signs no smaller than two (2) feet wide by three (3) feet high stating that only service animals are allowed in food areas.
Street use costs $50 per lineal street block, or portion of a block, per day or partial day under 12.72.070. Section 12.72.080 adds property usage fees, utility charges and reimbursement of city personnel costs within 45 days of invoice. Qualified nonprofit sponsors can seek waivers under 12.72.090, and 12.72.110 requires general liability insurance naming the city as an additional insured.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 12.72 enforces the permit through revocation. Under 12.72.120 the city can summarily revoke a permit in a disaster, public calamity, riot or other emergency, or when the permit was issued on false information, the permittee exceeds the scope of the permit, or fails to comply with any condition. A sponsor refused a permit or facing revocation can appeal to the Community Livability and Public Safety Committee of the Olympia City Council within ten (10) calendar days of the notice; that decision is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do street fair vendors need their own permit in the City of Olympia?
How far ahead do I apply for a festival event on city streets?
Can a festival event charge admission in Olympia?
What happens if the City denies or revokes the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Olympia
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