Effective January 1, 2020, a permit is required for Neighborhood Block Parties along with a fee for the temporary closure.  Applications are filed with the City Clerk’s Office.

A Neighborhood Block Party is defined as a gathering of abutting neighbors and their relatives and friends, with an anticipated attendance under 100 people, held within a public way of a residential neighborhood, which has been temporarily closed for the gathering.

If you intend to have live outdoor music or if your event is a larger community event, please see the Special Events webpage.

The block party or street closing shall be limited to one (1) City block.  Arterial streets, major collector streets and streets with bus routes may be unacceptable for block parties.

For more information, refer to Section 40-107 of the Municipal Code.

License Fee

$35.00 is due at the time of filing application (cash, check payable to City Treasurer or credit with convenience fee).

How to Apply

Before filing an application, contact the City Clerk’s Office to discuss date and location and to obtain resident/business information for written consents.  The City Clerk will consult with the Street Department and Police Department to confirm there are no conflicts with proposed date or location.  Once confirmed, an application may be filed.  Note:  Once application is filed, fees are non-refundable even if denied.

Applications for a Neighborhood Block Party shall be made in writing on the form prescribed by law and filed with the City Clerk's Office, 400 La Crosse Street – 2^nd Floor.  Applications shall be filed no less than thirty (30) days in advance of the event.

All residents abutting the street to be closed must be contacted by applicant and provide written consent to the closure of the public way.  Applicant must submit said consent with the application.

Applicant must be a resident of the block for which a permit is applied.

1. No alcoholic beverages shall be consumed on any public street, alley or other right-of-way.

2.  Applicant must adhere to the City noise controls (Sec. 32-134 Municipal Code).  If having live music, a special event permit is required.

3.  Block parties shall not start before 10 a.m. and shall conclude  no later than 11 p.m.

4.  Access to the street or alley must be given upon request of any resident of the block.

5.  All garbage and debris shall be removed from the public way prior to 9 a.m. on the day following the block party.

6.  Traffic control items are required, and applicant is responsible for pickup/return of barricades (if City serviced, a fee will apply).  Contact  the Street Department at 608-789-7340 to make arrangements.  If barricades are required for Saturday or Sunday activities, they must be picked up at the Street Department prior to 3 p.m. Friday and returned no later than 3 p.m. Monday.  For mid-week activities, barricades must be picked up prior to 3 p.m. on the day preceding the event and returned by 3 p.m. the day following the event.

Questions?

For more information, contact the City Clerk's Office at (608) 789-7510.