Lake at the Commons

Lake of the Commons Special Event Permit Application 2026

A Special Event is the use of a park or park area which constitutes one or more of the following: (a) large or special use of an area or facility; (b) creates a special demand for park services such as parking, cleaning, power or water; (c) requires coordination so that other users can coexist without disruption; and (d) which constitutes a commercial use.

Special event permits may be required under the following conditions:

  • Gatherings/events that involve a large group of people (compared to the usual occupancy of the site) in the public right-of-way (park, street etc.)
  • Are advertised to the public and do not occur regularly on the site
  • Creates a significant public impact on public property or City-owned easements
  • Use of sound amplifying device
  • Tents or other structures outside of the picnic shelter
  • Food trucks
  • Use of public personnel or resources for emergency response or any combination of these
  • Impacts normal vehicle and pedestrian traffic
  • Events held on private property which affect or impact the City, surrounding public or private property, or which may involve an improper use of the property under the City ordinances such as zoning restrictions, noise restrictions, temporary portable sign permits etc.
  • Special Event fees may apply.

Permit Application Requirements

Special Events require a permit issued by the City. Additional documents which may also be required:

  • Lake of the Commons event restrictions
    • Special Event Permits are only available at the Lake of the Commons between the hours of 8am-9pm.
    • Event must be contained to approved area (see map)
    • Maximum event size of 300 people.
    • Limit of 12 pop up tents
    • Access to power and water are not available
    • No glass containers
    • The splash pad will not be closed for special events.
    • Runs and walks may not be initiated at the Lake of the Commons.  All runs and walks must initiate in Tualatin Community Park and use the approved route.
  • Events of a certain size or complexity will require an additional fee for city staff to be onsite during set up.
  • Certificate of Insurance – To see what the Certificate of Insurance looks like and the coverage requirements, please refer to our Sample Certificate of Insurance. See below. Requirements noted in Red.
    • The Event Helper is a low cost insurance policy that protects you from liability related to injuries and damage that may occur during your event or activity. The Event Helper application.
    • If you need to enroll in insurance, please read the Instructions for Online Insurance Enrollment below.
    • Depending on event parameters, additional event insurance may be required.
  • Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) Permit: If alcohol use is planned for your Special Event, submit OLCC permits with your application. Please call OLCC at 503-872-5070 to determine and/or confirm if you need an OLCC license. OLCC can take 10-30 days to process a license. The OLCC license must be visible in the area where alcoholic beverages are being served.
  • Temporary Restaurant License & Food Handler Certificate: For any food service establishment in the street, public right-of-way, and City facility. Food trucks are only allowed in Tualatin Community Park in order to cater approved special event permits. Food trucks are not permitted in other city parks.
  • Some events may require on-site staff support and additional fees may apply.

Special Event Permit Applications are due a minimum of 45 days prior to the event. All documents must be received within 14 days of the event.

Supporting Documents