Want a bounce house at your park gathering? Better check first in this Pierce County city

Update: The Milton City Council unanimously approved the regulation of inflatable structures, such as bounce houses, through the city code Monday.

Council member Frances Hall said during the City Council meeting that the ordinance makes sense for liability purposes.

Council member Bob Whalen said during the City Council meeting that the ordinance protects residents.

Initial post: If you want to set up a bounce house at any of the city-owned parks in Milton, you may have to go through the city first.

The Milton City Council will vote Monday, July 15, on whether inflatable structures should be regulated through the city code. The vote will determine if residents will have to ask for permission from the city and have a signed indemnification agreement and proof of liability insurance before they can use a bounce house in a Milton park.

If the City Council approves the measure, any inflatable structure used in a city park must be rented from vendors on the approved state Labor and Industries list. No personally owned inflatable structures would be allowed within city-owned parks.

There will be a public comment period near the beginning of the meeting at 7 p.m. Those interested can watch the meeting in person at 1000 Laurel St., Building E or online at youtube.com/@miltonwa .

The City Council discussed the proposal during the July 8 study session meeting. Milton Police Chief Tony Hernandez said during the meeting that the city gets requests from residents to use bounce houses for parties at city-owned parks.

Mayor Shanna Styron Sherrell told The News Tribune that the city has said “no” to residents who made such requests in the past. Recently, the city has been telling residents that their bounce house must be approved by the state Department of Labor and Industries.

Hernandez said during the meeting that the city’s insurance provider suggests updating the city code to mitigate any risks involved with bounce houses. None of the City Council members expressed opposition to the proposal.

Styron Sherrell said there have not been any bounce house accidents in the city. The proposal is on the table to ensure the city code covers it, she said.

Sumner requires those hosting events with bounce houses to obtain a special event permit with applicable insurance requirements and usage fees.

Puyallup does not allow inflatable structures, such as slides and bounce houses, in city-owned parks. Only those hosting city-sponsored events may use certified inflatables with certified operators.

Tacoma does not permit bounce houses unless they are from a professional bounce house/entertainment equipment company and a certificate of insurance is provided.

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