​​The community is enriched by a full range of cultural and community events. The City has created a Special Event Guide (including application and fee schedule)  as a resource to assist event sponsors in the production of safe, well-organized, and low-impact events. A Special Event is defined as:

1. Temporary - not a normal use of a facility or property;
2. A large number of people watching and/or participating; and / or
3. Involves or impacts the public realm (for examples, by requiring City services beyond the normal capacity, generating traffic, parking, noise, etc.​).

Examples of Special Events include carnivals, parades, races/fun runs, festivals, block parties, film crews, temporary use of a building outside the normal approved occupancy (e.g. haunted house, reception in a warehouse, etc.​) and more. A Special Event permit is required for these activities, with some exceptions.

​Resources 

• Special Event Guide (2,169k PDF) - Version 3.0, updated May 21, 2018  to include revised insurance requirements, clarification of application submittal, the addition of Parkade Rooftop requirements and the addition of a filming section.
• Special Event Guide - Flipbook Format
• Special Event Application 
• Fee Schedule
• Traffic Control Plan Information - Version 2.0, updated May 3, 2017 to include changes to the time limits required for posting NO PARKING sings and additional pre-approved / road closure areas.
• No Parking Sign Example
• Emergency Action Plan Template
• Signature Verification Form
• Indemnification / Hold Harmless Agreement - Special Events
• Insurance Requirement Summary
• Bellingham Municipal Code 13.13 - ​Special Events

For more information, contact the Permit Center at (360) 778-8300 or permits@cob.org.