Aurora, IL Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Office of the Aldermen
- Max duration
- One calendar day
- Permit type
- Street closure permit
- Exempt from
- Citywide special event permit
Summary
Aurora, Illinois (Kane County) lets neighbors close their block for a residential block party for up to one calendar day, but only after getting a street closure permit from the Office of the Aldermen.
Residential block party means a social gathering organized by and for the benefit of neighbors who have obtained from the Office of the Aldermen a street closure permit to close the portion of the public right-of-way adjacent or nearly adjacent to their residences for a duration not exceeding one (1) calendar day and which may be comprised of one or more private home parties.
Site restoration includes all cleaning and trash removal required to restore the site of a special event to its condition immediately prior to the special event.
Special event means (1) an organized, nonpermanent, public or private gathering that utilizes public spaces, such as public roads, greenways, city services and public parks or plazas (2) a carnival or circus within the city, and (3) any similar activity occurring on private property in a district primarily zoned for residential uses other than a private home party or residential block party. A special event does not include a funeral procession.
Spontaneous event means a special event for which an application cannot be completed in accordance with this ordinance because the event is in reaction to or occasioned by recent news or current matters of public concern.
(Ord. No. O19-002, § Exh. E, 1-22-19)
HISTORY Amended by Ord. O22-016 on 2/22/2022 Amended by Ord. O23-004 on 1/24/2023 Amended by Ord. O24-013 on 2/13/2024
Full Breakdown
Code § 41.5-102 defines a 'residential block party' as a social gathering organized by and for neighbors who have obtained a street closure permit from the Office of the Aldermen, not the citywide special events coordinator, to close the public right-of-way adjacent to their homes for no more than one calendar day. Because it runs through the Aldermen's office, an authorized block party is specifically exempted from the coordinator-issued special event permit required under § 41.5-110 for parades, festivals, and other larger gatherings. The rule applies uniformly across the city regardless of which county the block sits in.
Violations & Fines
Closing a public right-of-way for a block party without the Office of the Aldermen's street closure permit can draw enforcement action for unauthorized obstruction of a public street.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I close my street for a block party in Aurora, IL?
Does a block party need the same permit as a festival or parade?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Aurora
Compare Aurora to another location·View the Illinois special events & permits overview
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Block Party Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle block party permits.