Avoid the Rush. Don't Wait. Submit Early.

*NEW CONDITION – Effective August 1, 2018 Street Event Applications will NOT be processed without a Pre-Authorization Approval Form demonstrating local Police District approval to close the street to traffic. This change applies to applications submitted for approval ON or AFTER August 1, 2018. Applicants applying for a street event permit must submit the completed pre-approval form and their Street Event Application to the Streets Department to begin processing the request. Police District pre-approval must be noted on the form to begin processing the application. Visit www.phillypolice.com/districts for a complete list of districts, locations and phone numbers.

Steps:

1. Applicants applying for a street event permit must take the pre-authorization form to their local Police District for pre-approval to close the street.
2. Upon pre-approval, submit the completed form and Street Event Application to the Streets Department to begin processing the request. Police District pre-approval must be noted on the form to begin processing the application. Visit www.phillypolice.com/districts for a complete list of districts, locations and phone numbers.

The Street Event Permit Process is being modified to improve the integrity and efficiency of the program. Applicants are informed in advance if their block is approved to be closed to traffic before providing payment of the permit and ancillary items such as food, music and other party-related activities.

Early submission of applications enables the Streets Department to quickly process forms and to notify SEPTA, Fire and Police Departments of all block party street closures in their districts. The Streets Department has made it easier for residents to schedule their block parties by making the application available online! To apply online, visit: http://secure.phila.gov/Streets/BlockParty.

One application may contain multiple event dates. One check or money order for all dates is acceptable. (Note: When submitting multiple dates on one application, ensure that the appropriate fee is included.)

Street events will only be approved for five (5) dates a year, per block.

If the street being closed for an event is the only entrance/exit to another street (a "T" street), a petition to close that "T" street is also required.

Religious Events

Submit a completed Street Event Application to the Streets Department for a non-block party event.

Special Events

For events planned on main streets in business corridors, contact the Managing Director's Office: 215-686-3488. 

Arterial Streets

Block party permits are intended for residential streets, where a street closing can be made safely without police provided traffic control or significant impacts on those who rely on SEPTA to get work and home. Arterial streets cannot be closed for street events. These are streets with multiple bus routes, trolley routes and trackless trolley routes.  Arterial streets are typically two way streets that carry 800 or more cars an hour and serve as the go-to streets for first responders racing to emergencies or hospitals. Closing of arterial/high volume roads causes difficulty for the motoring public and could affect  our emergency responders when called upon. These roads carry volumes up to 800 vehicles an hour. Pushing this amount of traffic into smaller residential streets, which are not designed for these volumes, can have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for these blocks.

Approved Holidays for Block Parties

• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day

An Important Reminder

Block parties are great fun and an excellent way to promote community spirit. In planning your block party, remember to make provisions to recycle all of the materials normally collected by the City. When it's time to clean up, remind the participants and organizers to set aside recyclables and properly bag trash until their regularly scheduled recycling/trash collection day.

If the trash and recyclables are not properly secured and stored until the regularly scheduled collection day, a violation can be issued to the applicant of the block party.