Spokane Valley, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Parks and recreation director
- Application deadline
- At least 4 weeks before event
- Cleanup bond range
- $50 to $1,000
- Liability insurance
- $1,000,000/$2,000,000
- Peak-hour closure ban
- 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. weekdays
- Violation classification
- Class 1 civil infraction
Summary
Spokane Valley classifies fairs, along with sales, auctions, and exhibitions on public property, as a "special event" under Chapter 5.15 SVMC, requiring a parks and recreation director permit filed at least four weeks out, a cleanup bond of $50 to $1,000, and $1,000,000/$2,000,000 liability insurance naming the City.
"Special event" means: 1. Any activity of a temporary nature on public property which affects the ordinary use of public rights-of-way, public parking lots, public parks, intersections, sidewalks or streets, or which would significantly impact the need for City-provided emergency services such as police, fire or medical aid, for purposes which include, but are not limited to, parades, walks/runs, street dances, fundraisers, sales, auctions, bikeathons, shows or exhibitions, filming/movie events, carnivals, circuses, car shows, horse shows, fairs and block parties, or other activity, demonstration or exhibition; or 2. Any activity, function, or event, which is open to the general public, where 200 or more people are estimated to attend; or 3. A private event.
Full Breakdown
010(G)(1) defines "special event" to expressly include fairs, sales, auctions, and shows or exhibitions held on public rights-of-way, parking lots, parks, or streets, or any activity expected to draw 200 or more attendees. 050. 040. Organizers must post a cash deposit or bond of not less than $50 and no more than $1,000 to guarantee the site is cleaned and restored, with larger anticipated cleanup costs referred to city council, and must carry $1,000,000 per-occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate liability coverage naming the City as an additional insured while indemnifying the City for claims arising from the event. on arterials. The director can also require the applicant to pay for any necessary traffic control before the permit issues.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 5.15 SVMC, including operating a fair without a permit or outside its approved conditions, is a Class 1 civil infraction under § 5.15.130. A permit already issued can be immediately revoked or suspended for a misstatement of material fact, failure to meet a permit condition, or an activity that endangers public health or safety; the City refunds the fee only if the revocation stems from an emergency, otherwise refunds are discretionary. A denied applicant may appeal in writing to the city council within 10 days of the director's decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a street fair need a permit in Spokane Valley?
How far in advance must a street fair permit be filed?
Can a street fair close an arterial during rush hour?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spokane Valley
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