Special Event Permits (SEP)

What is a Special Event?

Per Bremerton Municipal Code 5.36 certain community events may need a “Special Event Permit.”  A permit is required when the event uses city resources like police or fire, closure of streets is desired, or when an exemption from City regulations is desired.  Examples where a permit is required include parade, street fair, fun run, outdoor concert, or similar activities.  For large or complex events a Special Event Permit may be the most efficient way to coordinate overlapping regulatory requirements of the City, County, and State.  In addition, a permit may temporarily exempt the event from certain City regulations like the noise ordinance (BMC 6.32) for outdoor live music, or the business license requirements (BMC 5.02) if the event has several vendors that do not have a City license.

Am I exempt from a Special Events Permit?

Events That are Exempt from Needing a Special Event Permit include:

  • Neighborhood Block Parties - Small, neighborhood gatherings not open to the public do not need a special event permit, but are required to obtain the proper street closure permit. Please see the Neighborhood Block Party webpage.
  • Free Speech Activities - Rallies, protests, or demonstrations that exercise First Amendment rights.
  • Farmers Market - If the market 1) meets the requirements RCW 66.24.170(5)(g)(i) and only exempt goods are being sold per RCW 36.71.090, or 2) They are held in a held at a City park or facility and has entered into a use agreement with the City.
  • Private Events - Invitations-only gatherings like weddings, family reunions, or company picnics.

Activities That May Require a Special Event Permit Depending on Scope and Scale:

  • Car shows depending on scope and scale
  • Any Public event that closes or reserves a City street, State Highway, Bridge, or other City property such as a park, parking lot, or waterways.
  • A Special Event Permit is required if an event (public or private) has temporary merchants or mobile food vendors, that do not have current City business licenses (in lieu of individual business licenses).

Planning an Event in Quincy Square?

All events that are planned on Quincy Square must be organized through the Bremerton Downtown Business Association (DBA). Please see the DBA website for Quincy Square activities and click on the link "Event Rental Inquiry" at this link.

How to apply for a Special Events Permit

Forms and Application

Review of Special Event Permits may involve coordination and scheduling between several property owners, jurisdictional authorities, and other potential events. For this reason, Special Even Permits must be submitted 90 days prior to the event date; permits submitted outside these timelines may not have sufficient time for review and approval. The Special Event Permit fee is $100, however, reimbursement for costs incurred by the City may be required. Once an application is made, City Staff will schedule a virtual meeting to assess the scope of individual events and answer applicant questions.

Addendum Templates, Forms and Instructions

Special Event Permits may include coordination with several City departments and outside agencies. Having one Special Event Permit process to organize overlapping regulatory requirements can be useful, however, dependent on the scope of individual events coordinating with individual departments or agencies may be preferable.

If you have questions, please contact Justin Rowland via email, direct line 360-473-5279, or the main line 360-473-5275.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below you will find a selection of frequently asked questions. This section may be updated in the future as the City reviews incoming applications.