Block parties are a great way to get to know your neighbors, relax in the public space of your neighborhood and most importantly, have fun! The activities and scope of the block party will vary based on your interests. 

Some FAQ's about Block Parties:

When do I need a block party permit? If you plan to close one (1) block of a residental street for small-scale block parties that will attract your immediate neighbors.

Are there certain streets that cannot be closed?  You can not have a block party on a street that is a bus route or has a signalized traffic intersection.

What time can a block party last until?  Block parties cannot extend past 10PM.  If the event lasts past dusk, you must have lighted barricades.

What if we want to plan a party that will span a few blocks or invite people from the whole neighborhood?  Block parties are limited to one (1) block and can only be held for immediate neighbors.  All other types of events will require a special event permit. Contact the Special Events Program, 503-865-2482 for more information.

Please follow these steps when applying for a block party:

1. Review that Portland Bureau of Transportation's instructions for block parties (PDF).

2.  Complete the application packet, which consists of three forms:

• The block party permit (PDF), where you must indicate the details of your event and provide contact information. 
• The block party street closure petition (PDF), which must have 100% of signatures from all the residents and/or businesses on the street you wish to close. (Side-yards are included in this requirement.) You must go door-to-door in order to obtain these signatures from all effected neighbors.  If a property owner is unavailable, they must be provided with written notification; if a property is vacant, this must be noted on the petition.
• The block party traffic control plan (PDF), which visually indicates the street proposed for closure, adjacent streets and the location of barricades.

3.  Submit the three (3) elements of the application packet to SE Uplift in order to receive liability insurance for your event. Due to the rising cost of insurance, a $5 fee is REQUIRED by each applicant  (Cash or check, made out to SE Uplift, will be accepted).

NOTE: You must submit your completed block party application to SE Uplift, at least four (4) weeks prior to the date of your block party, to ensure successful processing.

4.  Once the application and payment is received, SE Uplift will fill in the necessary liability insurance information, and fax the application to the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) for review and approval.
   
5.  Staff from PBOT will contact you directly if any follow-up is needed and send a stamped copy of the permit back to you once it is approved.

6.  Once you have been approved for street closure, you must arrange to have three (3) Type I barricades with "Street Closed" signs (equipped with flashing yellow lights if the street will be closed after dusk) placed at both ends of the closed street (six (6) barricades total). You can find companies that offer specific Block Party packages (approximately $40), which can be found in the yellow pages under “Barricades.”

7.  Have a copy of the permit available on site at your block party for potential review by the City.

Some important things to keep in mind:

    •    If amplified music will be played at the block party, a noise variance may be required. Please contact the Noise Control Office at http://www.portlandonline.com/BDS/index.cfm?a=118531&c=42438 or 503-823-7350 for information on noise variances. 

    •    If you would like to have your block party in a local park rather than the street, you will need a permit from Portland Parks and Recreation, 503 823-2525.

    •    If you would like to host a block party as part of National Night Out, for events between 7/30/11 and 8/7/11, you must register with the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Noise and park permit fees will be waived for NNO registered events.

    •    Neighborhood coalitions will NOT provide insurance coverage for races, events where alcoholic beverages are sold and/or served in the right of way, or mechanical devices such as merry-go-rounds or inflatible castles are being used. Individuals participate at their own risk.