Event Street Closure Permit Requirements - City of Bellingham

Event Street Closure Permit Requirements
The City of Bellingham encourages community celebrations. A street may be closed for an event that
provides a civic benefit to the community. The street closure restricts vehicular access only, pedestrian
access shall be maintained at all times. Applications shall meet all requirements prior to permit issuance.
There is no fee for community or non-profit event permit, but fees may apply for other event types and if
metered parking is affected (see below). Please submit a completed application four weeks prior to the
scheduled event date.
Applicants are advised not to advertise an event until they receive approval from the City that the permit
will be issued.
Types of events that require an Event Street Closure Permit
Parade Block Party Demonstration/March Art Festival
Requirements for Event Street Closure Permit
Please complete and submit all of the following:
Application form
Signature form for notification – If area businesses are affected by the street closure, written
permission from all abutting property owners or tenants is required per BMC13.14.020. The City
of Bellingham will verify addresses to ensure signatures for all properties have been included.
Site specific Traffic Control Plan (TCP) – Your TCP should show streets proposed for closure,
how you intend to redirect traffic around the event, and all items to be placed in the right-of-way.
Plan should include a minimum 15 ft. wide emergency access lane that shall remain open at all
times. If your event requires traffic control, you are responsible for providing traffic control and for
renting and placing all traffic control devices required. Police presence may be required at some
events. Please contact the Bellingham Police Department during regular business hours at 360-
778-8800. Contact Public Works Transportation Technician at 360-778-7825 for assistance with
the TCP. The Permittee is responsible for renting and placing all traffic control devices required
on the final approved TCP. The City of Bellingham does not provide traffic control or traffic
control devices for community street closure event permits. For block parties on low volume
residential streets, City standard TC-340 may be used.
A Liability Release, Waiver, Indemnification, and Risk Assumption agreement - must be signed by
the applicant.
A Certificate of Liability Insurance form.

Procedures for Applicant
Completely fill out the application form. Include contact information for the day of the event.
Obtain an approved Traffic Control Plan(TCP) for your event prior to obtaining approval
signatures.
Complete the Signature Form for Notification for abutting businesses and property owners.
Obtain approval signatures from Bellingham Police Department, 505 Grand Ave. and Whatcom
Transportation Authority, 4111 Bakerview Spur, before submitting application to the Permit
Center. WTA signature is only required if event affects a bus route. Public Works and Parking
Service representatives are located at the Permit Center.
Submit all application materials to the Public Works representative at the Permit Center.
Mail in applications will not be accepted. We do not route to other departments or agencies for
approval signatures.
City staff will route the approved application to Emergency Services for notification of the street
closure.
Additional information
Meter hoods are required when blocking metered parking spaces on days when meters are
active. Meter hoods are available through Parking Services Division at the Permit Center, 210
Lottie St. The fee for each hood is $15/day. The fee may be paid in advance but hoods are not
issued until the afternoon before the event. Proof of payment for hoods is required prior to permit
issuance. For street closures that affect parking spaces with Pay Stations, payment for spaces
blocked is required. For more information, contact Parking Services at 360-778-7780.
Permits are valid only for the dates and times approved.
Keep the permit at the site of the event so it is available to City officials upon request.
No pavement painting is allowed. Non-permanent markings such as chalk, are permitted. After
the event the applicant shall remove all markings from the pavement. Applicant shall maintain
area free of litter (including wind-blown litter over surrounding area). If city staff is required to
clean up after an event, the responsible party will be billed for staff time and resources, per
BMC13.14.020.
Temporary no parking signs must be posted 24-hours in advance of the closure. A contact phone
number for the event must be listed on the sign.
For lane closures, refer to Standard Plan TC-330. If flaggers are required, only certified flaggers
are permitted. Running and other racing events will need to provide certified flaggers to stop
vehicle traffic when crossing roadways but may use volunteers to stop racers. Volunteers will be

needed to monitor any railway crossing that is not equipped with a mechanical stop bar. All travel
lanes on arterial streets shall remain open from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. For
designated arterial streets see BMC 11.63.110 E.
Portable toilets may need to be provided if there are not adequate public facilities available for the
event.
The sale, service and consumption of alcoholic beverages are subject to Washington State Liquor
Control Board (WSLCB) regulations, licensing and permit requirements. Special Occasion
licenses are issued only to non-profit societies or organizations holding a special event at which
spirits, beer or wine is sold by the drink. Please visit the WSLCB website, www.liq.wa.gov for
additional information.
For questions or additional information please call 360-778-8329
Please make a copy of all submitted application forms for your records.
Submit application packet to:
City of Bellingham Permit Center
210 Lottie St. Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax 360-778-8301

Event Street Closure Application
NAME OF ORGANIZATION APPLYING FOR PERMIT
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
MAILING ADDRESS
CONTACT NAME (please print)
PHONE NUMBER
Date Received:
By:
ADDRESS OF EVENT
Permit Number:
(attach additional information if necessary)
DESCRIPTION OF EVENT
What street will the event close?
Between which two cross streets? __________________and__________________
Date of the event
______________________
Will parking space(s) be blocked? Yes No
Hours of the event (include set-up/clean-up times)___________________________________________________
Is the event a fundraiser? Yes No
If yes, for which organization? ____________________________________
Approximate number of participants________________________________
Will alcohol be served or consumed in the enclosed street area? Yes No
Is the street you are proposing to close on a WTA bus route? Yes No
If yes, you are required to notify WTA and obtain their approval.
Will there be music? Yes No
Will traffic control be necessary? Yes No
Are meter hoods required? Yes No
If yes, contact Parking Services
DEPARTMENTAL APPROVALS
POLICE PUBLIC WORKS PARKING
SERVICES
WHATCOM
TRANSIT
FAX TO
EMERGENCY
SERVICES
The applicant agrees to observe all City ordinances, laws and conditions imposed. Applicant further agrees to defend, hold harmless and
indemnify the City of Bellingham, its officers and employees, from all liability, claims, suits and costs arising from incidents or accidents occurring
under this permit. Access for emergency vehicles may be required at any time, and the right-of-way may be ordered clear or the permit revoked
by any department. Applicant certifies that s/he has read and examined this application and that all information contained therein is true and
correct . The applicant also certifies that they have received a copy of the event packet and agrees to abide by the terms contained.

Liability Release, Waiver, Indemnification, and Risk Assumption
for Use of the City of Bellingham Right-of-Way
PRINT NAME/COMPANY:
PHONE:
DATE REQUESTED:
DURATION/TIMES:
DESCRIBE USE:
Please read and initial each of the following statements:
_____ In consideration of being permitted to use the City of Bellingham Rights-of-way and to make use of the
Rights-of-way for the purpose described above, I hereby expressly agree to release, hold harmless, and
indemnify the City of Bellingham, its elected official, employees, and agents (collectively the “Released
Parties”) from and against any and all liability, claims, demands, and actions arising out of or related to any
loss, damage, or injury, including death, to persons or property that may be sustained during my use of the
Facility. This expressly includes my own claims, demands, and actions as well as any third party claims,
demands and actions brought for property damage or personal injury that may arise directly or indirectly from
my use of the Facility.
_____ I understand that my use of the Rights-of-way involves inherent risks of injury including tripping, falling,
stumbling, and other such incidents that may result in such things as, by way of example and not limitation,
sprains, fractures, broken bones, bruises, cuts, scrapes, and other physical injuries. I voluntarily assume all
the risks associated with or inherent in my use of the Rights-of-way, and the use of persons in Rights-of-way
by my consent or invitation, and waive any claims, demands, or actions that may arise there from, known or
unknown.
_____ By signing this document, I indicate my understanding that the terms included herein are legally
binding and not a mere recital. I am signing this document voluntarily and of my own free will after reading it,
having had an opportunity to ask questions regarding it and acknowledging that I understand it. This
document contains the entire agreement between me and the City of Bellingham regarding my use of the
Rights-of-way and no verbal representation or statements have been made to me that change, alter or modify
any part of this document.
_____ I have read this document and agree to bind my estate, my heirs, my personal representatives, and
myself.
__________________________________
Signature
__________________________________
Date
__________________________________
Staff

Signature Form for Notification
Of Upcoming Event Street Closure
Name of the business or organization hosting the event:
Name of the beneficiary (non-profit organization) of the event:
Contact person name and phone number:
Name of the event:
The above listed are proposing a street closure for an event.
The closure of ___________________ between____________________and_____________________
s treet street street
To be on:________________________ from_______________________until_____________________
date time time
By signing below, we, the abutting residents and/or business representatives affected by the proposed
closure acknowledge notification and grant permission for the closure.
Printed Name Signature Address Phone
Attach additional page if necessary