What do I have to do when I want to close the street to traffic to have a block party?
Fill out and submit a block party application for approval.

Where can I go or who do I call to receive a block party application?

• Visit the Streets Department's Right of Way Unit                                                          Municipal Services Building, Room 940                                                                          1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard                                                                              Philadelphia, PA. 19102 

• Call the Streets Department's Customer Affairs Unit at (215) 686-5560 to request a block party application be mailed to you.

• Download an application for a block party.  

Do I need a signed petition to have block party?
Yes. There must be a signed petition for each date and each block. Signatures from at least 75% of the residents on the block must be on the petition. Only one signature per household will be accepted, and no photocopies of signatures will be accepted.

Do I need petitions if there are any "T" streets intersecting my block?
Yes. If there are any "T" streets, a petition for those blocks must also be included with your block party application.

May I block my street off for the event?
Yes, but vehicles may not be used to block off the street since emergency vehicles may need to enter the street.

Can the City provide me with barricades?
No. The Police and Streets Departments do not provide barricades to block off a street for a block party. It is recommended that the residents purchase yellow "caution" tape to block off the street.

Is there a fee for having a block party?
Yes. The fee is $20.00 per day per block. The fee must accompany your application. For security reasons, only checks or money orders made out to the "City of Philadelphia" can be accepted.

Is there a deadline for sending in a block party application to the Right of Way Unit?
Yes. A minimum advance notice of twenty-one (21) calendar days is necessary to obtain the approved permit in time to coordinate the closing of the street. There will be an increased fee of $45 if a block party request is made less than 21 days before an event.

When will I know when my application is approved?
You should receive your block party permit within two (2) weeks prior to the event. If the permit is not received by that time, please call (215) 686-5500 to inquire on its status.

Are procedures the same for religious events?
Yes.

What are the major summer holidays block party applications are approved for?

Holidays

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