Street Activities are (Block Parties, Street Festivals, Religious Ceremonies, Clean-ups, Mobil Units, Farmer’s Market, etc.) shall be held by organized groups (Block associations, Tenant Association, Religious Institutions, Merchant Associations, etc.).

How do I apply for a block party permit?

Make sure you leave yourself enough time to organize the event. Applications should be filed 60 to 90 days in advance. Apply early – Only five (5) street closings allowed on any given day.

All applications must be filed using the online system. The district office can no longer accept paper-based applications and submit them for processing. Street Closing Applications are available online at www.nyc.gov/sapo.

If you would like assistance completing the online application process or need access to a computer, please call our office to make an appointment to come in. Make sure you have your bank card (credit or debit) and letter/petition with you when you come.

Please also note that the City has also reduced the total amount of time for block parties from what had been up to 12 hours (from 9am to 9pm) to a new maximum of any 9-hour period between 9am and 7pm.

Sound permits may be obtained at the local precinct (77th Precinct – 127 Utica Avenue) or the (78th Precinct – 65 6th Avenue) no later than 5 days before the event. The fee is $45.00 per block party, should you plan to have amplified sound.

No Sound Permits will be issued by the New York City Police Department for the following dates:

• Puerto Rican Parade Weekend
• Independence Day
• Dominican Day Parade Weekend
• Labor Day Weekend
• Panamanian Day Parade

Multi-block and/or Multi-day events:

All applications for multi-block and/or multi-day street events shall be submitted to SAPO no later than December 31st. Please be advised that rain dates or other forms of make up dates will not be accepted for multi-day and/or multi-block events.

If you have any questions, please call the Community Board Office.