Covington adopts new special‑events permit code to meet insurer audit recommendations

Covington — The Covington City Council on April 22 adopted a new special‑events ordinance that replaces chapter 12.4 of the municipal code to better align rules with administrative practice and to respond to a WCIA audit.

Senior Planner Selena told council the city’s prior special‑events code was sparse and an audit by the Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA) found three compliance gaps the city needed to fix: a clear liability insurance requirement, explicit treatment of political and religious activities, and stronger First and Fourteenth Amendment protection language. "We had to address these by the end of this month or they're going to charge us a penalty," Selena said.

The new code creates a more structured permitting process, clarifies roles between community development and parks (which administers many events), and provides explicit enforcement tools. The city will update application forms, fees and administrative procedures to match the revised code.

Councilmember Beth supported the ordinance, saying the city must "be legal. We need to be legit." A deputy (identified in the meeting as "Deputy") noted the change will avoid a nearly $5,200 penalty cited from the audit. The ordinance passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: adopting the revised code completes audit recommendations from the insurer and gives staff clearer enforcement authority and a public process for special events, including parity for political and religious demonstrations protected by the Constitution.

What happens next: staff will update permit application forms, adjust fees where needed and coordinate internal processes so special events are processed under the new code.