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
SVMC § 5.15.010(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. Under § 5.15.020, no one may conduct such an event on public property without a permit from the parks and recreation director, applied for at least four weeks before the event under § 5.15.050. The application must detail the proposed site, dates and times, number of persons and vehicles expected, portable sanitation facilities, staffing for crowd control, and first-aid provisions, per § 5.15.040.
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. The director must refuse a permit if the fair's size or timing would unreasonably disrupt traffic, require excessive police diversion, or conflict with another already-permitted event, and cannot approve street or lane closures during weekday peak commute hours of 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. 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
Compare Spokane Valley to another location·View the Washington special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.