Block parties are a staple summer tradition in Philly, with partiers line dancing in the streets, cooks throwing hot dogs on the grill, and folks cooling off in the occasional dumpster pool. A piece of string and an array of cones blocking off a residential street isn’t an uncommon sight this time of year, but hosting a block party comes with certain requirements. Here’s how to plan your celebration without any problems from the city.
Get Buy-In From Other Residents
You’ll need 75% of households (and apartment complexes) on the block to sign a petition to get a block party approved. You just need one adult signature per household.
Make sure you have a clear date and time for the event listed on the petition. Block parties are allowed between 8 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., but can't go longer than eight hours. The party can take place on weekends, approved weekdays, and holidays.
This is a great way to get to know your neighbors, so get ready to knock on some doors. Leave a note if no one answers.
Consider connecting with your block captain to help break the ice or see what additional support is available.
Submit Your Application on Time
Getting things done through the city can sometimes be a slow process, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to apply to close your street for the block party. You can apply online or print your application and mail it in to:
Department of Streets
Highway Division, Right of Way Unit
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Room 960
Philadelphia, PA 19102
You can also pick up or drop off an application at the Municipal Services Building concourse.
Plan to turn your application in at least 21 days before your event to save money ($25 instead of $60). If you want to host a block party on a weekday, however, you’ll have to cough up $150 regardless of when you submit your application.
From there, your application will go to your local police district for review. If there are no issues, it’ll then be transferred to the Streets Department to check for impacts on traffic or potential construction. Once you receive final approval, you can make the required payment. You should then receive your permit within two weeks of your event. Call (215) 686-5500 to track the status of your application.
Get Special Permits Before Adding Additional Attractions
Before you rent that bouncy house, dunk tank, or giant waterslide, you may want to pause. These types of carnival attractions require a special permit from the Department of Licenses and Inspections.
Be a Good Neighbor
After you get support from your neighbors to have the party, don’t lose their trust. Make sure to stay on top of the whole process.
People can be forgetful. Be sure to post signs promoting the event and noting its start and end time.
Have a game plan when it comes to trash. Assign designated areas for trash and recyclables to be disposed of, and consider assigning someone to collect litter throughout the day. You’ll also want to be mindful of your block's trash collection schedule when selecting what day to host the event.
Music is a given when it comes to parties, but be sure to keep noise levels under control and abide by the city’s noise ordinance.
Cars can be a hurdle when it comes to block parties. Drivers aren’t obligated to move their vehicles, but it can create more room in the street and lessen the risk of damage if they do. Coordinate with neighbors the night before regarding relocating cars, and be mindful of vehicles still parked on the street when the party starts. The street, however, must remain accessible to the following:
- Commercial vehicles making deliveries
- Motorists with disabilities
- People who must drive on the street to conduct normal daily activities
Make folks feel welcome. Ask your neighbors if there is any way they’d like to contribute to the event. And finally, consider music, games, and activities that are likely to be enjoyed by everyone who lives on your block.
