Block Parties

Mission

DDOT shall manage the permitting process for neighborhood block parties, as it is responsible for reviewing and approving public space permit requests within the District of Columbia. (DDOT Establishment Act, § 50-921.04).

Procedures & Services

Residents who wish to obtain a permit for a block party must submit their applications through DDOT's Transportation Online Permitting System (TOPS).

Block Parties Requiring Street Closure

If an application requires the temporary closure of a street, residents must submit a Block Party Petition. DDOT shall review such petitions subject to the following criteria:

• Applicant must be an adult resident (21 years or older) of the block being closed.

• Area must not exceed two intersecting streets (i.e., must be limited to one block).

• Street must be reopened no later than 10:00 pm

• Applicant must obtain consent of 51% of households on the block.

• Vending is prohibited. No sales, fees, or donations shall be solicited or accepted at the event.
• No sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed.

• Accessibility for emergency equipment via an unobstructed 20-foot emergency access lane must be maintained at all times.
• Posting of street closure/no parking signs must be completed no less than 72 hours prior to date of event.
  

Block Party Petition

See Related