The Streets Department has changed the block party approval process to include police pre-approval.

Street event applications, handled by the Right of Way Unit, will now require pre-screening approval from local police districts in advance of being processed. This change applies to applications submitted for approval on or after August 1, 2018. Applicants seeking approval to close their street to host a block party or another street event must submit a Block Party Authorization Approval Form to their local Police District before applying for a permit with the Streets Department. 

When applying for a permit, residents will be required to submit the pre-approval form and their street event application to begin processing the request. Police District pre-approval must be noted on the form to begin processing the application. Events include block parties, religious events, serenades, birthday celebrations, weddings, proms and other non-block party events. Applications will not be processed without a Pre-Authorization Approval Form demonstrating local Police District approval to close the street to traffic. Applicants can visit www.phillypolice.com/districts for a complete list of districts, locations and phone numbers.

“The Street Event Permit Process is being modified to improve the integrity and efficiency of the program,” according to a statement by the Streets Department. “Local Police Districts have historically approved the closure of a street to traffic, however, prior to August 1, 2018 this procedure took place after the Street Event Application was processed and the permit approved by the Streets Department.”

For more information about the Street Event Application Process, go here. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Residents can apply online here.