Unplanned Events on Campus
Find out what's required to host an impromptu event on Capitol Campus such as a rally, demonstration, or protest.
We don't require a permit for unplanned events, but you must still give us notice two hours before your activity starts. Unplanned events aren't completely spontaneous, and refer more to last minute events that don't have enough time to go through the regular permit approval process.
Public use areas
Permitted events will have priority over spontaneous uses of the public areas of the Capitol Campus.
Size of your gathering
If your gathering is more than 25 people inside a public campus building or more than 75 people outside on the Capitol grounds, we may:
- Initiate contact with you or your group. All contact will be professional in tone and neutral in word and actions.
- Notify campus building tenants of the unplanned activity.
- Be present at the event, arriving on location before the start time or as soon as practical after being informed of the event.
- Contact our Washington State Patrol liaison and discuss the event that is planned or anticipated.
- Observe events as they occur to ensure that individual rights aren't violated, and state property isn't being damaged or destroyed.
- Contact the Washington State Patrol for assistance in cases of unlawful activities, including but not limited to disrupting the orderly flow of pedestrian or vehicle traffic or state business operations.
Moving your gathering
If we make a decision to disperse or relocate your gathering, we will work with your group to help you relocate. If we don’t have cooperation from your group, we will ask Washington State Patrol to help peacefully gain cooperation.
If your group doesn't disperse or relocate and Washington State Patrol thinks it's necessary to protect life or property, they will give a dispersal notice to your group.
If your group doesn't follow the instructions, you and your group will receive a second notice, and Washington State Patrol will take appropriate action.
Related Information
Our policy is based on: