Special Use Permits

Special use permits allow Sammamish Parks to manage facilities well. Permits for special uses prevent conflicts and avoid overuse of facilities. They also allow staff to make necessary preparations such as power, lighting, etc., and to provide personnel and facilities such as access to lavatories.

Special Use Permit Application - please turn in all applications to escott@sammamish.us.

For questions and inquiries, please contact (425) 295-0524.

Special Use Permit Guidelines and Procedure Guide

The guide includes following topics:

• Definition of Special Use
• Special Use Categories
• Permit Review Committee
• Application & Permit Fees
• Process
• Guidelines & Applicant Responsibilities
• Fundraising
• General Information
• Sammamish Parks/Property

Definition of Special Use

Special use events and activities are public gatherings of 25 or more people on City of Sammamish property that may impact the park. Events requiring a Special Use Permit include a possible impact to the park and/or one or more of the following:

• Tent(s) 400’ sq. ft. or larger (may require building permit);
• Amplified sound;
• Stage(s);
• Vendor booths (food, beverage, arts, crafts);
• Generator(s);
• Public promotion of the organized use/activity;
• Collection of money for admission/participation (whether off-site or on-site);
• Impact to regular traffic & park operations;
• Catered activities by food trucks, commercial bbqs (may require Health Dept. permit);
• Bounce houses (subject to certain conditions due to public safety);
• Commercial Activities (i.e. boot camps, on-leash dog obedience courses, recreational group meetings, running clubs, yoga and workout groups);
• Filming and/or photography;
• Request for a waiver of a park code (Sammamish Municipal Code Title 7A: Parks and Recreation);
• Request for additional park resources, equipment or staffing;
• Use of designated areas within a park (i.e. open spaces, trails, etc.-fees may apply for use);
• Requesting for partial or full fee reductions for park areas or facilities (fundraisers are not eligible).

Special Use Categories

• Festivals/Concerts/Events;
• Walks/Runs/Cycling Uses;
• Fundraisers;
• Corporate picnics/Uses;
• Athletic tournaments;
• Commercial filming and/or photography;
• Free speech/demonstration;
• Other – those Uses/activities that impact park operations or adversely impact normal park usage;
• Religious services, groups rallies or assemblies;
• Large groups;
• Organized activities in parking lots and roadways.

Application & Permit Fees

Applications are due no later than forty-five (45) calendar days prior to proposed use date. Applications received after the forty-five (45) calendar day deadline will be assessed a $20 late fee and may not be considered.

Commercial special use permit application fee $20 – due with application.
Non-profit special use permit application fee $0 – due with application. (Proof of active non-profit status must be provided.)

Damage Deposit is due no later than fourteen (14) calendar days prior to proposed use date. The Special Use Permit Review Committee (“SUPRC”) determines the damage deposit fee. Fees are based on prior history, park location, time of year and scope of use. Damage deposits are determined based upon the type of special use.

Permit Parks Use Fees

Examples of Miscellaneous Use Fee: Bouncy House, Generators, Photography, Filming, Free Speech Demonstration, etc.

Examples of Participant Use Fee: Festivals, Camps, Classes, Concerts, Events, Runs, Cycling, Fundraisers, etc.