Yakima, WA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- Economic development manager
- Application deadline
- 45 days before event
- Vendor requirement
- Displayed event authorization
- Food vendors
- Health district permit required
Summary
Yakima requires a special event permit before any street fair or festival, and only vendors authorized under that permit can sell goods, food, or drinks at the event.
Vendors authorized to sell goods, food, or beverages in the special event venue shall display their authorization in the manner required by the economic development manager. Only vendors displaying the required authorization shall be allowed to sell goods, food, or beverages in the special event venue. Each vendor shall be solely responsible for reporting and payment of applicable fees and taxes payable to applicable local, state and federal agencies.
(c) Vendors authorized to sell food or beverages shall obtain and display applicable food handler’s cards or permits and any other required health permit as required by the Yakima health district in the manner required by the economic development manager. (Ord. 2012-61 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2012; Ord. 2013-041 § 2 (part), 2013; Ord. 2015-043 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015; Ord. 2018-009 § 1 (part), 2018)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
YMC § 9.70.020 requires any person or entity conducting a special event, which Chapter 9.70 covers street fairs, festivals, and similar public gatherings, to first obtain a special event permit from the economic development manager, who can impose conditions on the event venue. Under YMC § 9.70.260, that permit gives the holder the right to control which vendors sell goods, food, or beverages at the venue; vendors must display the authorization the manager requires, and food/beverage vendors must also carry Yakima Health District food handler cards or permits. Selling without that authorization is separately unlawful under YMC § 9.70.290.
Violations & Fines
Vending without displayed event authorization is unlawful under YMC § 9.70.290; running the event itself without a permit is a misdemeanor under YMC § 9.70.310, fineable up to $500 and 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do street fair vendors need their own city license?
How far ahead must a street fair apply for a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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