Shoreline, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)

Chapter 12.15 SMC treats a fair or festival that occupies streets or sidewalks as a right-of-way use, not a private encroachment, and the permit exists so the event does not unreasonably obstruct vehicular and pedestrian travel. Applicants file with the department under § 12.15.040 and must include a scale drawing of the closure, a description of the use, its planned duration, contact information and a traffic and pedestrian control plan if circulation will be disrupted; the director can add conditions to protect public health, safety and welfare.

Under § 12.15.030(D), any signs for directional control or event advertising must be removed within 24 hours after the event ends, and the organizer is liable for restoring the right-of-way to its prior or improved condition. Police escorts, controls and inspections may be required, and all floats, stands and use-related structures must meet fire and building code requirements. A right-of-way use permit for a fair generally runs up to 180 days under § 12.15.030(D)(3), and applications must be submitted at least 10 working days before the event, or earlier if other city permits are also needed, per § 12.15.040(E), along with the application fee set by the city's fee schedule.