Events 

In March 2024, the Community and Economic Development Department adopted a new special event permit application, designed to be more efficient, consistent, and comprehensive. The permit regulates events on the public rights-of-way, public property, or events on private property that require additional governmental services such as traffic, police, fire, etc.

When do I need an Event Permit?

Not all events in Sunnyside require a permit. The criteria to trigger a special event permit is that it is conducted on public property, or on a public right of way, or is held on private property that has a direct significant impact on traffic congestion or traffic flow to and from the event over public streets or right-of-way, or substantially impacts public streets or right-of-way near the event, or significantly impacts the need for emergency services such as police, fire or medical aid, or is in the city’s Commercial and Business Zones, and involves the sales of tickets for attendance or is open to the general public with attendance expected to exceed more than 50 people.

Apply Online

Open Gov Event Application

What is the Event Application Process? 

A completed Event Permit is requested 45 days in advance of the event. 

Prepare and submit with your application by going to OpenGov and filling out an application. 

There will be forms emailed to you to fill out, there are also fillable forms available on this page under "Fillable Forms".

Included in those forms is an event layout maps(s) and a detailed schematic/layout of alcohol/garden areas, if applicable.

Secure insurance as indicated in the application and attach proof of insurance with your application.

Proof of required licenses such as a business license, alcohol serving license, nonprofit status, food handlers' card, or event catering permit.

If any exchange of currency occurs at the event, a business license will need to be provided to the city. This includes but not limited to: admissions, selling food, paying for a performance, selling non-food items, paying to be a participant in an event, and donations. Non-profits with prof of their status might be exempt from this license. Any vendor at an event MUST have a business license. 

Make sure that security is established for the event, certain events require security measures. The Sunnyside Police Chief will review the application and determine if any security will need to be provided. 

Make sure to identify if any alterations to a public space, now as city right of way, will be used. The Sunnyside Public Works Director will review the application and determine if any road closures, street barricades, alternative traffic routes, or site preparation need to be established.

Other Departments will be part of the reviewal process depending upon the nature of the event. 

To get answers to questions please contact Planning Department, at 509-837-7999, or send an email at ctaylor@sunnyside-wa.gov

Fillable Forms 

  1. Fillable WW Complete.pdf

How to Start a Application

  1. How to Apply On OpenGov.pdf

Websites for Licensing