Seattle’s beautiful parks provide the perfect backdrop for fitness classes, nature education, and other recreational activities. If you’re a business owner or instructor looking to bring your services outdoors, it’s essential to know the rules and ensure your activities are permitted.
At Seattle Parks & Recreation, we’re dedicated to promoting healthy people, thriving environments, and vibrant communities. To maintain balance across our parks, hosting organized activities in these spaces requires a Commercial Use Permit.
This guide walks you through how to obtain a permit, making sure your business operates smoothly and legally.
Why Do You Need a Commercial Use Permit?
Seattle’s parks are public spaces meant for everyone’s enjoyment, and organized activities can impact how others use the park. By requiring permits, Seattle Parks and Recreation seeks to:
- Promote fair use of park spaces.
- Minimize disruptions to the surrounding community.
- Maintain the parks’ natural beauty and accessibility.
Failing to obtain a permit may result in fines or citations, so it’s important to ensure your business aligns with city policies before getting started.
What Activities Require a Permit?
If your activity involves collecting money offsite for organized recreational classes or lessons in a city park, you’ll likely need a Commercial Use Permit. Here are some examples of activities that require one:
- Fitness Classes: Boot camps, yoga, running groups, and more.
- Recreational Activities: Photography workshops, school-related physical education classes, and marine education.
- Nature Education: Wilderness training or guided nature tours.
Permit Details You Should Know
Here are key details to keep in mind when applying for a Commercial Use Permit for Seattle parks:
- Time restrictions: Activities can run up to 10 hours per week per park.
- Participant limit: Each class is limited to 35 participants.
- Amplified sound: Not allowed under any circumstances.
- Shelters and play areas: These are off-limits for use during classes.
- Respect for the community and environment:
- Activities shouldn’t disrupt general park visitors or the neighborhood.
- Altering the landscape, removing plants, or collecting natural items like mushrooms or driftwood is strictly prohibited.
By adhering to these conditions, you’ll help support the shared use of Seattle’s parks.
How to Apply for a Commercial Use Permit
Applying for a permit can be done online. Please allow a minimum of two weeks processing time once you have submitted all permit requirements. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:
- City of Seattle Business License
Note that a State of Washington Business License will not suffice.
- Site Plan
Include a detailed map of the park area where your activities will be held. Explore sample maps here.
- Commercial Liability Insurance
Send your insurance documents to SPRconcessions@seattle.gov. For reference, review the city’s insurance requirements.
Once you’ve gathered these documents, complete the application online. Applications submitted via email or mail are not accepted. Start your application here.
Permits are available year-round, so you can start planning your classes whenever it works best for you.
For more details and to begin your application, visit Seattle Parks Commercial Use Permits.
Seattle Parks & Recreation is proud to support businesses while protecting these beautiful public spaces for everyone to enjoy. Together, we can create positive experiences and memories for generations to come.
