Block Party Permit Process

Host a block party

Hosting a block party is a great way to meet your neighbors, build community connections, and enjoy the warmer Chicago weather. Hosting a block party requires a permit; the permit application is FREE.

A group of neighbors enjoying themselves outside at their block party

Apply for a Block Party Permit

The permit application process begins by contacting the 40th Ward Office. Once your application is reviewed and approved, Aldermanic staff will enter your request into the online permitting system for approval and release by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

  1. Download and complete the City of Chicago “Permit to Hold a Block Party” form (PDF)
  2. Fill in all contact and event details on the Request Form below.
  3. You will upload your completed PDF forms from line 1 to the Request Form below.
Block Party Permit Request Form

Block Party FAQs

How do I apply to host a block party?

The permit application process begins by contacting the 40th Ward Office. Once your application is reviewed and approved, Aldermanic staff will enter your request into the online permitting system for approval and release by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT).

How far in advance do I need to submit my permit application?

Requests for Block Party Permits must be submitted at least two (2) weeks prior to event to ensure the permit is issued for the event. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.

Does a block party permit cost money?

No! There is no fee to apply for this permit.

How long does the block party permit last?

Block Party Permits will not be issued for more than one (1) day in succession. Street closure hours are from 10AM to 10PM.

Can the 40th Ward office block off the street before my event?

Nope – our office does not have equipment available to block off streets, so that responsibility rests with the block party organizer. 

Please keep in mind that intersections cannot be blocked; permits are only issued for a single block.

How do we handle parking on the day of the event?

“No Parking” signs should be placed 24-48 hours prior to the party. You can get these signs from our office before your event!

How do I get a Jumping Jack or a Bouncy House at my event?

Jumping Jacks or Bouncy Houses are permitted separately from the Alder’s office. You can learn more and apply for the Jumping Jack Program through the City of Chicago website.

How do I get a fire truck to visit my block party?

To request a fire truck, download and complete the CFD Presence Request form (PDF), and send your completed request to the e-mail address listed on the form at least two (2) weeks before your Block Party date. Please note that even if you complete the application within the time frame, a fire truck presence isn’t guaranteed!

How do we handle trash at the our block party?

Here are some tips from the City of Chicago’s Block Party Waste Management flyer:

  • Encourage guests to bring reusables like water bottles or utensils instead of single-use plastics; when shopping, pick up items that can be repurposed or recycled.
  • Prevent trash overflow by asking neighbors to set out their black bins for garbage and blue bins for recycling.
  • Keep food scraps out of landfills and give them a new purpose through composting. You can drop off your food scraps at 5333 N Western!

Block Party Permit Request Guidelines

Please note that our office does not have equipment available to block off streets, that is the responsibility of the block party organizers.

  • Requests for Block Party Permits MUST be submitted two (2) weeks prior to event to ensure the permit is issued for the event. Permits are issued on a first come, first served basis.
  • Block Party Permits will not be issued on any Federal Aid Urban Streets (i.e., arterial streets) or on a bus route.
  • Block Party Permits will not be issued for more than one (1) day in succession or to close any street for a commercial purpose.
  • Street closure hours at 10AM and 10PM and are not issued for more than one day in succession or to close any street for a commercial purpose.
  • No intersection can be blocked; permits are only issued for a single block.
  • Access to any parking spaces controlled by meters or pay boxes must be maintained at all times.
  • “No Parking” signs should be up 24-48 hours prior to the party.
  • Fireworks of any kind are illegal.
  • Review the Block Party Waste Management flyer

Get your neighbors on board

We also encourage you to contact your neighbors and circulate a petition to demonstrate support for the event, particularly if this is your first event or you have not had a block party in the past two years.

Block Party Permit requests may be denied by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) for the following reasons:

  • Incomplete application (missing information)
  • Traffic control issues
  • Issues related to other permits issued in the vicinity of the event
  • Public safety concerns

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our office.