Special Event Permits
Events are a great part of Sumner. Some events are small enough to use existing spaces and resources. Others are large enough to require scheduling special use of City resources. We are here to help assist you to help balance the needs of your event with the resources owned by the citizens of Sumner as well as impacts your event will have on existing residents and businesses.
No Permit Necessary
- All park spaces, including the picnic shelters, tables, barbecues, etc. are available on a first-come, first-serve basis only at no cost. Normal uses, such as birthday parties, family picnics, etc. do not require any kind of permit.
- Events held solely on private property without use of large tents or impact to the normal use of surrounding roads or sidewalks do not require a permit.
Events that Need a Permit
You should obtain a Special Event Permit if your event is held on City property, including parks, streets, sidewalks or City parking lots; if your event changes the normal, everyday use of this space for the public and/or includes major components such as structures (City power, large tents, special tables, inflatable bounce toys, etc.), large crowds, vendors, or a band or amplified music.
Obtaining a Permit
For a general festival-type event, here is an example of what may be required:
- City employee(s) at the event to set up and tear down barricades to reserve the space. They may also need to be on hand during your event for further services. For a small party with no other services, the cost would be the facility rental fee plus labor costs, traffic control, extra portable restroom rentals, or any other services or equipment fees that may be applicable.
- If there is alcohol being served, you will require a banquet permit and you will need the area fully barricaded. More info at http://liq.wa.gov/licensing/permits.
- With any event permit application, the City of Sumner requires a minimum limit of $2,000,000 of Commercial General Liability insurance. Even though there is no building, our code requires that the “City of Sumner” needs to be the Certificate Holder and an additional insured for the City of Sumner facilities.
- If you plan to have food vendors at the event, they will need a valid City of Sumner Business License, a Mobile Food Vendor license from the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD), and a minimum of $1 million per occurrence with a $2 million aggregate for general liability insurance with you named as an additional insured. You will also want to obtain proof of ongoing and completed operations coverage to protect against food-borne illnesses. Events with food vendors may also be required to provide hand-washing stations, extra portable restrooms, and a waste management plan. This information is not necessary at the time of application, but once your special event permit application is approved, they will need to be uploaded in the portal at least 30 days before the event for the vendors to be present at your event.
- A safety plan for a special event permit application will also need to be included at the time of application. The safety plan should include details such as crowd control, emergency procedures, first aid services, fire safety measures, security personnel, and any potential hazards specific to the event. Anyone applying for an event permit should also consider outlining evacuation routes, communication plans, special accommodations for vulnerable populations, and compliance with local health and safety regulations.
- For larger events, a pre-event meeting with the event applicant and the City of Sumner staff will be held 30 days prior to the event to go over things like the safety and traffic control plans, layout of the event, power connections, or to answer follow-up questions.
Applications must be submitted at least 60 days in advance via our online portal. Applications will not be accepted if submitted less than 30 days in advance. To apply for a special event permit, you must have the following at the time of application:
- Map of the Event
- Commercial General Liability Insurance Certificate
- Safety Plan
- Completed Application Form
- Completed and Signed Agreement
Other forms you may need to complete at the time of application are:
- Street Banner: Banner Supplement Application
- Inflatables: Air Supported Structure Supplement Application
- Parades: Parade Supplement Application
Film Permits
The City of Sumner welcomes film and media projects and strives to make the process clear, safe, and film-friendly. To help manage larger or higher-impact productions, the City has established a Film Permit process. Not all filming requires a permit. If filming does not interrupt the normal use of any City facility—including roads, sidewalks, parks, or other public spaces and the public can safely use these spaces as usual during filming, a permit is generally not required. Because requirements vary based on location, crew size, and activities involved, filmmakers are encouraged to contact the City before filming to determine whether a permit is required.
Film Permit Fees
Application Fee: $100.00. This fee is non-refundable and due at the time of application, at least 10 days before filming
Labor Fees
For filming that requires City staff support (such as Police or Public Works), the applicant is responsible for 100% of all labor costs. Labor rates are adjusted annually based on finance-approved rates. Due to the minimum 10-day review period, Police and Public Works must confirm adequate staffing is available before approval
Facilities Use Fees
$200.00 per day, per location. This applies to use of City parking lots, parks, and/or road closures.
Insurance & Application Requirements
Film permit applicants must provide proof of liability insurance meeting the City’s current event insurance requirements. Film permit applicants may also need to provide a detailed site plan, parking plan, and safety plan. All materials must be submitted and approved at least 10 days before a permit can be issued
You may also want to visit pages to view our park locations (link) and review park rules (link).
CONTACT US:
Lana Hoover, Community Relations Specialist, lanah@sumnerwa.gov, 253-299-5781