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1. Do I need a permit? If so, which permit is necessary for my event?

A Special Event Permit is required if the event is to take place on public property owned by the City of Beaverton, the park district, or within public right-of-way (e.g. a street or sidewalk). If the event is to take place on private property, usually a Temporary Use Permit is necessary. Some events on private property may qualify for exemption. Generally, Special Event Permits and Temporary Use Permits are not required for indoor events within permanent, non-mobile structures on private property. Other City ordinances apply to indoor events within permanent, non-mobile structures.

2. What events are exempt?

No Temporary Use Permit is required for non-mobile temporary use if the use or activity:

1. Is located on property zoned Commercial, Multiple Use or Industrial where the proposed temporary use or activity is permitted outright by the zone; AND
   
2. Operates for no more than three consecutive days in a week and for no more than six times in any twelve-month period; AND
   
3. Is located outside all required vision clearance areas and the first 20 feet of vehicle aisle space as measured from all site entrances and exits to the public right-of-way; AND
   
4. Has received the property owner’s permission; AND
   
5. Operates only between 7:00 am and 10:00 pm; AND
   
6. Occupies an area that is no more than five parking spaces or 800 square feet of surface area, excluding vehicle drive aisles and minimum off-street parking as required in Section 60.30 and areas required for fire access; OR
   
7. Is a special event permitted under Chapter 7 of the City Code. See examples
   

Examples of temporary events not requiring permits if matching exemption criteria:

• Weekend car wash for fundraising on commercial property.
  
• Big wedding on private property that does not block streets.
  
• Bus tour through streets that does not block streets.
  
• Weekend sale/promotional event limited to 800 sq. ft.
  

3. When is a Special Event Permit required?

Chapter 7, Section 7.05 of the Beaverton Code identifies the scope, definitions and limitations for Special Events. A Special Event is an assembly or gathering of persons for entertainment, recreation, the display or sale of goods or services, or other common purpose to be undertaken by a person other than the City that may involve use or closure of public right-of-way or City-owned property, use of sound amplifying devices, use of public personnel or resources for emergency response or any combination of these elements. Special Event Permits are required for events on City property, park district property or within the public right-of-way.

Special rules apply for use of certain City-owned properties:

• City Park (at SW 5th St and Watson Ave)
  
• West Parking Lot and Greenspace (west of Hall Blvd across from the Library)
  
• City Library premises (on SW 5th St east of Hall Blvd)
  
• North and South Plaza at the Round
  
• Other City property added by the Mayor to the scope of Beaverton Code Chapter 9, Section 9.08.040

A special event permit is not required for occasional use of sidewalks for demonstrations, street performances, etc. that do not block the sidewalk or private driveways.

4. Examples of temporary events requiring Special Event Permits

• Street closure for a day event (e.g. Block Party).
  
• Organized run/walk through City streets.
  
• Use of one or more streets for a parade, protest, or demonstration.
  
• Dedication/Celebration of new public art or exhibit.
  
• Use of a City park for a large social gathering.
  
• Banner crossing public right-of-way, or on public or park district property.
  
• Organized demonstration / march through City streets.
  

5. When is a Temporary Use Permit required?

Chapter 40, Section 40.80 of the City Development Code describes four Temporary Use applications: 1) Temporary Mobile Sales, 2) Temporary Non-Mobile Sales, 3) Temporary Structure, and 4) Temporary Real Estate Office. Uses and activities that are temporary in nature, as further described under application thresholds, are subject to permit. Temporary Use Permits are required for temporary uses and activities involving private property.

6. Examples of temporary events requiring Temporary Use Permits:

• Weekend sale / promo event greater than 800 sq. ft.
  
• Mobile food cart – daily location, more than one hour.
  
• Holiday tree lot – for tree and vegetation sales.
  
• Carnivals and Circuses.
  
• Fireworks sales.
  
• Temporary trailer for project under construction.
  
• Temporary real estate office for a project under construction.
  
• Drop off station for collection of clothing and other.
  
• Temporary wireless communication facility.
  

7. How long does it take to get a permit?

For Special Event Permits, the review period can take up to 90 days, depending on the size and nature of the event.

For Temporary Use Permits, the review period can range from two to three weeks, depending on the proposal.

8. What details will I be asked for on the Special Event Permit Application?

• Date, hours and the duration of the event.
  
• For street closures, maps and sketches showing the route, streets or intersections to be closed, the beginning and end time of closure, patron parking areas where known.
  
• If use of public personnel or resources for traffic control or emergency response will be necessary (a fee may be charged).
  
• If amplified voice or sound will be used and, if so, during what hours.
  
• If artificial lighting or light projector after dark will be used.
  
• If you will be using City or park district property for a public or private event.
  
• Copy of insurance certificate from insurance agent.
  
• Serving of alcohol – be prepared to provide OLCC liquor license.
  
• Serving food or drink – be prepared to provide food service license from Washington County Department of Health:
  
  1. Using commercial vendors.
     
  2. Cooked or prepared on site.

9. What details will I be asked to provide for the Temporary Use Permit?

• Date, hours and the duration of the event.
  
• Site plan illustrating the property boundary, existing conditions (e.g. parking) and that portion of the property where the event will be held including areas to be occupied by tents, structures and / or product display.
  
• Written response to the applicable approval criteria.
  
• Application fee.
  
• Copy of current city business license.
  
• Food service license from Washington County Department of Health, or fireworks permit from TVF&R (if applicable).
  

10. How can I check on the status of my permit? Will I be notified when my permit is approved?

For Special Event Permits, to check on the status, applicants are encouraged to email the Special Event Program Coordinator at  specialevents@beavertonoregon.gov. Applicants are assigned a Special Event number after they fill out the Special Events Permit Application. Proposals are routed to City Police, Public Works and Transportation staff for review and comment. A member of city staff will inform you as to when your permit is approved and any specific issues or concerns that must be addressed.

For Temporary Use Permits, to check on the status applicants are encouraged to contact the City Planning Division of the Community Development Department at (503) 526-2420. Proposals may be routed to the City Building staff for comments and conditions. Transportation and Public Works staff may also review the application depending on the scope of the proposal. A member of the Planning Division staff will inform you as to when your permit is approved and any conditions.