It is the policy of the city, as implemented through this code and any procedures adopted hereunder, to recognize the substantial community benefits that result from special events. These events provide cultural enrichment, promote economic vitality, and enhance community identity and pride. They also may provide opportunities for family activities and funding for our community’s nonprofit agencies. Partnerships between the city, event sponsors and the community are valuable in ensuring successful events. Therefore, the city will strive to accommodate special events. The city recognizes that events can be difficult to implement successfully and that the city requirements may represent a significant portion of an event’s costs. When setting fees and conditions for events, the city will be sensitive to their impacts on the event’s costs while balancing the city’s obligation to protect public health and safety. It is the city’s goal to have successful special events that enrich and enliven the community.

It is the policy of the city that events be staged in various areas in Bellevue (Downtown, Eastgate, Crossroads, Wilburton Hill, Newport Hills, and Factoria) when feasible, thus encouraging the participation by a greater number of Bellevue citizens. The city also recognizes that certain events are site-specific; therefore flexibility is important when determining event locations. (Ord. 4991 § 2, 1997; Ord. 4622 § 1, 1993.)