Do you want to host a BBQ with your neighbors or set up a fun obstacle course for the kiddos? Are you a business looking to embrace the outdoors to sell local crafts, to break bread, or even to help Seattleites stay healthy and strong?
We have permits for these activities, all streamlined for ease and some at no cost to you!
One of our goals is to manage our streets and sidewalks in a way that enriches public life and improves community health. We hope you take advantage of the permits discussed in this blog to bring joy to your neighborhood and increase your business as we move into and through COVID-19 recovery.
Let’s make this the summer of fun!
AVAILABLE NOW
Apply for a permit to play in the street!
Want to build a giant hopscotch? Interested in reenacting Shel Silverstein poems? Considering a costume parade celebrate the longest day of the year? Longing to organize a Block Party or have a barbecue with your neighbors?
Apply for a free permit. With a few simple steps, open your street to playfulness and make memories with your neighbors. You and your neighbors can close a residential street to make more room for fun and play up to 3 days a week, for a maximum of 12 hours per week during daylight hours.
If you Live on a Stay Healthy Street, driving is already limited, and Street Closed signs are in place, so no permit is needed. Just notify and invite your neighbors to join in the fun between the hours of 9AM to 9PM.
Apply for a permit for outdoor cafes, merchandise displays, street closures, and vending options
We’re extending our free temporary outdoor permits through May 31, 2022. This is a great way to support recovery efforts by expanding your business size and bringing vibrancy to the public place.
New options for fitness businesses – Fitness gym and studio owners can now apply for a free permit to use the public place for classes and activities.
COMING SOON
More information for each of these permits will be available later this summer
- Looking for more space to hold a small outdoor activity? With a street and sidewalk activities permit, you or your organization can enliven streets, alleys, or plazas with a variety of activities. Examples include, but aren’t limited to:
- Weddings or parties
- Community or neighborhood events
- Art walks
If there are more than 300 people showing up, you’ll need a Special Events Permit.
- Sell your arts and crafts – We’re expanding options for businesses that don’t have a brick-and-mortar store by supporting retail and craft vending with a free temporary permit.
We’re super excited to partner with our friends at the Office of Arts and Culture to support economic and civic recovery by employing artists throughout the summer months of 2021. Artists will help activate public space in creative and safe ways. The effort centers collective well-being, mental health, and creates opportunities for community connections and being called Created Commons. More details are coming soon!
Keep in mind that all permits are subject to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions, and permits may change or be revoked should to public health recommendations change.
Not all streets are available for these types of activities. We balance activation with the need to operate and maintain an accessible transportation system that reliably connects people, places, and goods. Follow the links in this blog or email publicspace@seattle.gov to learn which streets are ok.
Need help with your application or figuring out which permit best fits your needs? Please contact us at publicspace@seattle.gov.