Special Event Permits are required for gatherings/events that impact the use of city streets, sidewalks, and public right-of-way, and/or impact the need for city-provided emergency services such as police, fire, or medical aid. These events include: gatherings/activities hosted by private groups or organizations that include an invitation to 100 people or more, and all gatherings/events that involve an open invitation to the public.
Examples of events requiring a Special Events Permit include, but are not limited to: block parties, festivals, parades, fun runs or bike rides, concerts and performances, etc.
If you are unsure if your event will require a Special Event Permit, please contact Ireland Coleman at (360) 857-5019.
What is a Special Event?
A special event includes any activity that occurs on private or public property and affects the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-ways, and/or sidewalks. This includes, but is not limited to fairs, festivals, concerts, performances, parades, athletic events, fundraising events, etc.
A “Block Party” is a gathering organized by residents of the neighborhood abutting the street to be closed. Block Parties have different requirements and application than a Special Event. Please view Block Party Permit Information below.
Why Do You Need A Special Event Permit?
Ridgefield encourages civic, private, and community groups to sponsor Special Events and is proud of these community building opportunities. To do so, the City makes its streets and public right-of-way available for approved events. To promote access, ensure safety of event participants and spectators, and minimize public inconvenience caused by such an event, a Special Event Permit must be obtained prior to the event.
Special Event Permit Application Process
The Special Event Permit Application Process requires detailed event information. If you are interested in hosting a new event in Ridgefield and would like to get the conversation going with our Special Events Team but aren’t ready to submit an application yet, click here to submit the Event Interest Form.
Until your event is pre-approved by the Special Events Team, event organizers are advised not to announce, advertise or promote the event. Use of the City of Ridgefield logo is strictly prohibited unless written permission is obtained.
Application Process Details:
- Special Event Permit Application: Submit an application a minimum of 90 days prior for events that include street closure(s) or use of public right-of-ways; and a minimum of 60 days prior for events that do not.
- Work with Special Event Staff. Upon receipt of completed application, Special Event Staff will contact you regarding required documents and any questions about the event. Event Review Team may schedule an event review meeting.
- Special Event Staff will notify you when your event has been pre-approved, pending required documents/info. Once you have received pre-approval, we encourage you to announce, advertise and promote the event.
- Secure required permits and additional documents. Event Review team will help identify any additional requirements based on the scope of your event.
Documents that may be required vary based on event details. Documents that may be required include:- Certificate of Insurance
- Traffic Control Plan
- Security or Safety Plan
- WA State Liquor & Cannabis Board Permit for service of alcohol
- Business license and/or Health Permits for Vendors
- Notification to Abutting Property Neighbors for Street Closure
- Special Event Permit Issued. Once all required permits and documents have been received, verified and approved, you will receive a completed and signed Special Event Permit agreement for your event. A copy must be onsite and made available day of the event.
Site Map:
Special Event Permits Require a site map. You may download the map below to assist with this:
Block Party Permit
What is a Block Party?
A “Block Party” is a gathering organized by residents of the neighborhood abutting the street to be closed for their enjoyment. A Block Party requires a permit issued by the City of Ridgefield. Application must be received at least two weeks prior to event.
After receipt of the Block Party Permit Application, you may be contacted by affected City departments if additional information is needed or to discuss specific plans to accommodate the Block Party and its impact upon the public generally.
Street Closure for Block Party
If a Block Party will close or restrict a public street, the street closure requirements are:
- Street is a residential/local roadway;
- Preferably a non-through street;
- Closure must be for entire block;
- Must use barricades to block streets
- Street closure limited to daylight hours only, and starting no earlier than 8am and ending no later than 10pm.
- Block Party Permit Application: Submit an application a minimum of 2 weeks prior to event.
- Work with Special Event Staff. Upon receipt of completed application, Special Event Staff will contact you regarding required documents and any questions about the event. Event Review Team may schedule an event review meeting.
- Secure required permits and additional documents. Event Review team will help identify any additional requirements based on the scope of your event.
Documents that may be required vary based on event details. Documents that may be required include:- Abutting Neighbors Consent (Form Here: https://ridgefieldwa.us/wp-content/uploads/Block-Party-Neighbors-Consent.pdf)
- Map of affected roadway
- Clark County Health Department Permit
- WA State Liquor & Cannabis Board Permit
- Block Party Permit Issued. Once all required permits and documents have been received, verified and approved, you will receive a completed and signed Block Party Permit agreement for your event. A copy must be onsite and made available day of the event.
Reserve a Park
Do you need to reserve space at a park for your event?
With the Cogran Online Reservation System, you can access photos and descriptions, see real-time availability, submit reservation requests, and pay deposits and rental fees online. Reservation requests may be submitted for 2023 dates beginning January 1, 2023.
Please note that the parks available for reservation through this process include Abrams and Overlook Parks ONLY. Please visit the Ridgefield School District page to reserve Ridgefield Outdoor Recreation Complex (RORC). All other City Parks are available to the public on a first come, first served basis, reservations are not accepted.
Additional Event Planning Information
Park Use Rules & Regulations
Park Rental Fee Schedule
Special Event Permit Application
This Special Event permit process provides the City of Ridgefield a mechanism to prevent conflicts in use of city property, allow for necessary site/facility preparations, and protect the public’s health, safety, and general welfare. The City of Ridgefield reserves the right to refuse the use of any facilities if permit requirements are not met.
