St. Paul Block Party Permits
St. Paul allows residents to apply for a permit to host a block party on most residential streets in the city. Permits are free if the event is held on a single block of a residential street, between 8am and sunset, and the application is completed at least 30 days in advance.
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Block Party permits are only for "Residential Block Club" type events--only for residents of the immediate neighborhood where the block party is being held. If you're inviting people from outside of your street, you may need to get a "Special Event Permit" instead, which has different requirements.
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Follow the steps below to get ready for your next block party!
Required to apply for a permit:
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Application (online form)
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Signature petition
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Source for barricades (public works or another vendor)
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Map of area to be blocked off (not hand-drawn)
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STEP 1​​ Choose a date and place
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You can get a permit for a block party on a single block of a "totally residential" street--anywhere that is just homes, not businesses, and not a bus route.
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Block Parties can be held between 8am and sunset.
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The application requires a map of the block party location (not hand-drawn) to be submitted with the application. You can try using google mymaps or other online map program to create your map.
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Applications must be completed at least 30 days in advance.
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NEW in 2022! You are now allowed to apply for multiple, recurring events using a single application! List all of the dates on your application, as well as on your petition when gathering signatures.
STEP 2​​ Talk to your neighbors!
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Block parties are more fun when everyone is on board.
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The block party permit application requires a petition with signatures from 60% of the households on the part of the street that will be closed.
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STEP 3​​ Barricades​
You must rent barricades from Public Works ($20/barricade + $50 delivery fee) or another vendor. Most streets with a 20mph speed limit will require 4 parade barricades ($140 when renting from public works). No garbage cans or homemade barricades. Some district councils rent barricades, and barricades can be borrowed from some public libraries.
You may also be able to purchase your own barricades, which will save you money in the long run if you have recurring events. Contact SPPD via email or phone (651-266-5479) to confirm what type of barricade is required for your street.
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To borrow the St. Paul Play Streets set of barricades, click the link below or email stpaulplaystreets@gmail.com and let us know the date of your event.
STEP 4 Complete & Submit Application
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Once the details are all in order (date and time, location, source of barricades, signature petition, and map), fill out and submit your application online at least 30 days before your block party.
If you're applying for multiple recurring events, choose "Yes" under "Is this a recurring event?" and list all of the dates. You will receive your permit via email.
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If you request "No Parking" signs for recurring events, you may be able to collect them after the first event and reuse them for the subsequent events.
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STEP 5 Invite people
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Invite people to your block party!
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Post on facebook or nextdoor, send emails or texts, or hand out flyers around the neighborhood. Be sure to reach out to students, renters, and residents of apartment buildings--a block party is a great way to meet anyone new to the neighborhood!
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Remember that a block party permit covers events for people in the immediate neighborhood only--if you'd like to invite people from further away you may need to a "Special Event" permit instead.
STEP 6 Block Party!
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The details are up to you--provide snacks and drinks, or ask people to bring their own. Have some activities for the kids. Just make sure to provide trash and recycling containers, have a copy of your permit handy, and clean up afterwards.
Talk to people about starting a neighborhood email list or facebook group, and get more ideas about how to organize your neighborhood from this Block Ambassador handbook.
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NEXT STEPS​
If you enjoy block parties, consider making them a regular event! Block parties held on a regular basis are often called "Play Streets", because they started as a way to provide space for children to play, but play streets can be for everyone.
