Special Events (360-834-5307)
Special Event Permit Application can be found on the city’s website at LINK and can be emailed to specialevents@cityofcamas.us. A site plan and traffic control plan (for running, walking, biking events and parades) must be submitted, along with the online application. Upon receipt of the application and required forms, copies are reviewed by City staff for approval.
If the event is held on private property not owned by the applicant, a letter of approval by the owner or property management is required to be submitted to the Special Events staff prior to the event. The letter of approval should include property owner/manager signature of approval, property address of the event, dates and times of the event and a full description of the event activities.
Special Event Permit Processing Fees vary depending on the characteristics of the event.
The use of drones is generally prohibited, however, if drone use is requested, the applicant must notify Special Events and must also contact the local office of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to secure a 333exemption for that individual/company to use that specific drone during specified dates and times of the special event.
A certificate of insurance is required for any event held on Public Property within the jurisdiction of the City Camas.
It is unlawful for any person to allow sound to emanate from real or personal property that is a public disturbance noise. The use of a musical instrument, whistle, sound amplifier, or other device producing or reproducing loud or raucous sounds emanating frequently, repetitively, or continuously from any building, structure or property so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort or repose of owners or possessors of neighboring or nearby real property. For more information, please go to City of Camas Municipal Code Ch. 9.32.050
Public Works (360-817-1563)
For the safety of event participants, police security may be required. Upon receipt of a special event permit application, a review by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is conducted and a recommendation/determination is made as to the requirement of police assistance. As a follow-up to the information provided in the application, a security plan may also be required.
A comprehensive Traffic Control Plan may be required to ensure what safety provisions will be initiated and maintained for persons in and around the area of the special event. The safety plan shall include any right-of-way closures and the potential impact of emergency access to and from the event site. It must be approved in advance of the event.
All proposed road, street, lane, alley and sidewalk closures for special events require approval (in advance of the event) by the Public Works Department. The traffic control plan must be submitted by a traffic barricade company licensed by the City of Camas. Please note that security is required for all rights-of-way closures and shall be at the expense of the permittee.
Any special event that takes place after dark or following, and at which event-goers attending may remain on event premises after dark, requires that the applicant ensure electrical illumination of event- occupied areas. The Public Works Department approves plans for the temporary lighting of the event. Additionally, they may require in the interest of public safety the placing of warning lights within street rights-of-way and shall bill the responsible party according to a fee schedule established by the City.
If an applicant includes animals as part of any event activities, the Office of Administrative Services – Special Events Division shall be notified immediately. Upon notification, the Special Events office will notify the Camas Police Department – Animal Control Division.
National guidelines recommend one ADA portable toilet, and one portable toilet for each gender per 75 persons.
Any outdoor event that includes portable restrooms, food, and drinks preparation and distribution generally requires that the applicant submit a Storm Water Pollution Prevent Plan (SWPPP), which details the applicant’s efforts to ensure no debris enters the city’s storm drains in or near the event footprint area.
Camas Police Department (360-834-4151)
Security-related information for an event may be required to detail how order will be preserved and property will be protected in and around the location where the event is to be conducted. If required, a security plan must be approved before the initial event date by the Camas Police Department.
Building & Permitting Department (360-817-1568)
If the applicant intends to post event signage, an event sign plan is required and shall include the location, elevations, and dimensions of all proposed signage. NOTE'': Signage will not be included in the permit approval unless the above information is provided. This requirement does NOT include signage required for traffic control, which is approved separately as part of the traffic control plan. For more information, including fees, please contact the Building & Permitting Department.
Clark County Business Licensing (800-647-7706)
Mobile Food vendors participating in a special event must hold a valid Clark County business license. The applicant must submit the number of vendors and a site plan including the location for each vendor. For more information, contact Clark County.
Clark County Department of Health (360-397-8428)
It is unlawful to distribute or sell food products without first securing and maintaining active health permits and health cards required by the Clark County Health Department. For more information, please contact them. https://www.clark.wa.gov/public-health/food-safety
WA State Liquor Control Board (1+360-664-1600)
Any applicant who has not hired a City of Camas approved licensed caterer, but intends to provide alcoholic beverages to participants during a Special Event, may be eligible to apply for a liquor license no later than 30 calendar days before the proposed special event. http://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/special-occasion-licenses
Business Licensing (360-256-2060)
Temporary event vendors who fall under one of the following categories must hold a valid Clark County Business License. For more information, contact Business Licensing. http://dor.wa.gov/Content/Home/Default.aspx
Fire Marshal’s Office (360-834-6191)
The Fire Marshal’s Office shall review all applications for the use of temporary structures, such as tents and membrane frame-supported structures. The use of any tent or membrane structure having an excess of 400 square feet, with the exception of tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes, requires a city Fire & Rescue Temporary Activity Permit. A current business license with Clark County, site plan and certificate of insurance are also required when pulling a permit with the Fire Marshal’s Office. The permit and other relative documentation must be filed within 10 days of the event.
The possession or use of fireworks on City property is prohibited without the written approval of the Fire Marshal’s Office. Insurance, site plans, shot list and operator’s license is required before issuance of the permit.
The Fire Marshal’s Office will review all temporary additional electrical usage for events. All exterior electrical usage shall be plugged into GFI protected receptacles only. All extension cords to be used outdoors must be rated for that use. Heavy rubber mats shall be placed over extension cords that pass through pedestrian or vehicular paths. The use of spider and function boxes will require a Washington licensed electrical contractor to pull an electrical permit for the event. The Fire Marshal’s Office will determine if an electrical permit is required for special events using the additional distribution of electrical power.
Parks & Recreation (360-834-5307)
For special events held in city parks, please make reservations through the Parks & Recreation Department at the number above, Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For picnic shelter reservations in Fallen Leaf Lake Park. Reservation or permits are not required in other City parks; first-come, first-served.