Events on city property may need a Special Event Permit.

A Special Event Permit and insurance is needed:

• if you're holding an event on city property, such as the Boardwalk or Mingus Park,
• if your event is over 50 people, or
• if you're using city services such as electrical, police services, trash cans, barricades, portable restroom placement, or clean up. 

Activities involving protected free speech — such as assemblies, speeches, religious services, distribution of literature, or other activities protected by the First Amendment — do not require a permit as long as they do not block streets or use reserved public space. However, if amplified sound is used (e.g., loudspeakers or bullhorns), a Sound Amplification Permit is required. All applicable laws to protect public health and safety must be followed.

If you're not sure if you need a permit, just call the Public Works Department at 541-269-8918 and ask.

Other items that may be applicable: 

• If the event is on city property, is over 50 people, or uses city services, then an insurance certificate and separate endorsement naming the City of Coos Bay as an additional insured must be obtained prior to permit approval. City-sponsored events are exempt from this insurance requirement.
• A Traffic Control Plan is needed if any city streets are requested to be closed or used.
• If any goods or services will be sold, a Business License may be required.
• City OLCC approval requires a Background Investigation Release to be completed by whomever will be serving alcohol. Please submit this with the Special Event Permit Application (SEPA). An event which serves alcohol is subject to higher insurance limits (see SEPA page 2).
• Event vendors not covered under the sponsoring organization’s insurance are required to submit their own SEPA and carry their own insurance.
• Food trucks must have a current fire inspection on file with the City.
• If the event will have amplified sound, such as music or speeches with speakers, only a Sound Amplification Permit may be needed. Broadcast or amplification must not be audible for a distance of more than 1,000 feet from the instrument, speaker or amplifier; further details are in CBMC 9.05.020 Unreasonable noise, section 6 (k). If you have completed the Special Event Permit Application and checked YES to Sound Amplification, there is no need to submit the Sound Amplification Permit Application.
• In Mingus Park, only the amphitheater and adjacent gazebo, by the swimming pool, can be reserved. The other tables and gazebo are first-come first-served and cannot be reserved. Please be courteous so that everyone can enjoy the facilities.
• Open fires are not allowed on city property; propane barbeques are allowed but must be in an isolated area with at least five clear feet of working space.
• Events on city property require a portable restroom on site for every 100 people in attendance.

Download the Special Event Permit Application (SEPA) or pick one up from the Public Works counter at City Hall. Depending upon the type of event, a meeting with city staff may be needed to work out details. A fee may be assessed for city services such as extra garbage cans or electricity.

• Central Avenue
• City Boardwalk Event Map
• John Topits Park
• Mingus Park Map - Baseball and Skatepark
• Mingus Park Map - Community Building*
• Mingus Park Map - Pool Area
• Mingus Park Map - Pond and Playground

*To rent the Mingus Park Community Building (formerly known as the Scout Cabin), submit a Mingus Park Community Building Rental Application and Mingus Park Map - Community Building. An Outlook calendar shows the cabin's availability; please contact the Public Works Department to reserve the cabin for an event.

The Facility Directory has additional information on city facilities, including capacity and amenities.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Download Acrobat Reader Download Windows Media Player Download Word Viewer Download Excel Viewer Download PowerPoint Viewer