Spokane Event Crowd Control & Barricade Permits

Public Safety Washington 4 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Washington

Spokane, Washington requires organizers to coordinate crowd control, barricades and any street or sidewalk closures with city departments before an event. This guide explains which permits are typically required, who enforces rules, how to apply, common violations and the practical steps organizers and venue staff should take to comply.

Which permits cover crowd control and barricades

Typical permits and authorizations for events that affect public rights-of-way include a Special Event Permit and, where streets or sidewalks are impacted, a street or right-of-way use permit. Apply with the City of Spokane Special Events office and coordinate traffic-control plans with Public Works/Traffic Operations and Spokane Police Department for any required barricades or road closures. For the official Special Event Permit information see the city page and instructions Special Event Permit[1]. For applicable municipal code provisions see the Spokane Municipal Code online Spokane Municipal Code[2]. For street and traffic coordination contact Public Works/streets services Streets & Public Works[3].

Begin permitting early—major events often need weeks of coordination with multiple departments.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is handled by Spokane Police Department and City Public Works/Traffic Operations, with permit compliance monitored by the Special Events office. Specific penalties and fine amounts for violations are not summarized on the cited permit pages; see the code and permit pages for any listed fines or remedies.[2]

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; consult the Spokane Municipal Code and permit conditions for monetary penalties.[2]
  • Escalation: whether first, repeat or continuing offences change fines or enforcement procedures is not specified on the cited permit pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: agencies may issue stop-work or stop-event orders, require removal of barricades, or pursue court action; specific procedures are set by the permitting authority and code.[2]
  • Enforcer contact: Spokane Police and Public Works manage compliance and inspections; event applicants must coordinate with the Special Events office and Traffic Operations.[1]
  • Appeals/review: permit denials or enforcement actions may have appeal routes; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited permit pages.
If you receive a stop-work or closure order, follow the instructions immediately and contact the issuing office to avoid escalation.

Applications & Forms

The primary application is the City of Spokane Special Event Permit application available from the Special Events office; specific form names, numbers and fees are provided on the city permit page. If a separate temporary street/right-of-way use permit or traffic-control plan is required, the Streets/Public Works office will direct you to the relevant forms. Fee schedules and submission instructions are listed on the city pages; where a specific fee or form number is not visible on the cited page, it is not specified on the cited page.[1][3]

  • Special Event Permit application: see the City of Spokane Special Events page for the application portal and instructions.[1]
  • Temporary street/right-of-way use forms: request via Public Works/streets services; specific PDFs or online forms are provided by the department.[3]
  • Fees: listed on permit pages when provided; if not listed, the permit page does not specify fees.

Common violations

  • Operating without an approved Special Event Permit or right-of-way authorization.
  • Unauthorized street closures or insufficient traffic control and barricading.
  • Failure to follow an approved traffic-control plan or remove structures after the event.
Common compliance issues include late applications, incomplete traffic plans, and lack of certified flaggers.

Action steps

  • Submit a Special Event Permit application to the City of Spokane well before your event date and upload traffic/barricade plans.[1]
  • Coordinate with Public Works/Traffic Operations for barricade placement, traffic control devices and required flagging.[3]
  • Keep records of approvals, insurance, and any correspondence with city departments during planning and on the event day.

FAQ

Do I always need a Special Event Permit to use barricades on a public street?
Generally yes if the barricades affect public rights-of-way or traffic; check the City of Spokane Special Event Permit page for criteria and exemptions.[1]
Who installs and maintains barricades required for an approved closure?
Permittees are typically responsible for providing and maintaining barricades per the approved plan; some closures require city-contracted equipment—confirm with Public Works/streets services.[3]
How far in advance must I apply?
Application lead times vary by event scope; the Special Events page describes timing and submittal requirements or contact the Special Events office for deadlines.[1]

How-To

  1. Plan event date and identify any streets, sidewalks or parking areas affected.
  2. Prepare and submit a Special Event Permit application with a traffic-control plan to the City of Spokane Special Events office.[1]
  3. Coordinate with Public Works/Traffic Operations and Spokane Police for barricade placement and safety staffing.[3]
  4. Pay any applicable permit fees and obtain required insurance certificates as listed on your permit approval.
  5. Follow inspection instructions and keep approvals available during the event; promptly address any compliance notices.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply early and include detailed traffic-control plans to avoid denials or late fees.
  • Coordinate with Police and Public Works for barricades and traffic safety requirements.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Spokane — Special Event Permit page and instructions
  2. [2] Spokane Municipal Code (City code and ordinances)
  3. [3] City of Spokane — Streets & Public Works / Traffic Operations

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