Neighborhood Block Party Permit

houses on a neighborhood street

A Neighborhood Block Party permit allows residents to safely close their street for small, neighbor-focused gatherings. The goal is to create space for community building, connection, and activities that bring the block together.

Do I Need a Neighborhood Block Party Permit?

If you are requesting to close a City of Madison street and all the criteria below apply, then you need a Neighborhood Block Party permit. 

  • Event will close no more than two blocks.
  • The street(s) requested has a speed limit of 25 mph or less.
  • The street(s) is NOT on a Metro bus route.
  • The street(s) is NOT in the Mall/Concourse area.
  • Expected attendance is fewer than 100 people.
  • The majority of attendees are residents or guests of the block(s) being closed.
  • The event will not be advertised or promoted publicly.
  • There will be no vending or sales of any kind.
  • No temporary structures (tents, inflatables, stages, etc.) — only easily-moveable items, to allow emergency access.
  • Noise must be kept to a minimum: no loud amplified sound.

If your event does not meet these criteria — for example, if you plan to sell items, have live music, or advertise publicly — then you will need a full Street Use Permit.

How to Apply

Step 1 

Complete a Resident Petition - all Block Party applications must be submitted with a resident petition signed by an adult resident/occupant of at least 75% of all residential and/or non-residential units on the street(s) for which closure is requested. Save as a PDF to attach it to the online permit application.

Step 2 

Apply online

OR Complete Block Party permit application (PDF)

  1. Fill in permit application
  2. Attach the completed Resident Petition
  3. Pay $50 application fee
  4. Submit online or submit PDF application & resident petition to
    1. Email: parks@cityofmadison.com OR
    2. Send/deliver to: Parks Division / 330 E Lakeside Street / Madison, WI 53715

Step 3 

Allow 14 days for permit processing and issuance

Additional Information

Barricades

  • Type II Barricades are required to close a street
  • Up to eight (8) barricades are included with permit, at no charge
  • Additional barricades, $5 each
  • You must make arrangements to pick up barricades on a weekday leading up to the block party date

No Parking Signs

  • No Parking signs are optional, if you need the block cleared of vehicles for the block party
  • No Parking signs, $2/sign
  • You must make arrangements to pick up the No Parking signs, post them and call them in, once posted, for enforcement purposes

Information on where to get barricades and No Parking signs will be on your issued permit. 

Application Deadline & Fees 

  • Application and resident petition are due at least 14 days before the date of the block party.
  • Nonrefundable application fee of $50, due with application
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