Bergenfield, NJ Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Section 273-38 of the Streets and Sidewalks chapter defines SPECIAL EVENT broadly enough to fold block parties into the same permit track as parades: the term covers any parade, walkathon, bikeathon, block party, march, demonstration, protest, or other organized group with a common purpose proceeding along a public street, public sidewalk, or other public right-of-way in Bergenfield. That definition matters because Chapter 270's separate street-fair rule, § 270-5, expressly excludes block parties from its own permit process, so the Article VII special-event permit at § 273-39 is where a block party's paperwork actually lives.

An organizer must apply in writing to the Borough Administrator, naming the person requesting the permit, the sponsoring organization, a responsible chairperson, the number of monitors and how they'll be identified, a description of the event and expected turnout, the date and hours, the specific street segment to be used for assembly and dispersal, whether music will play, and any loudspeaker equipment. Section 273-40 requires the Administrator to issue the permit, in consultation with the Chief of Police as needed, once satisfied the event will not serve an unlawful purpose or unreasonably interfere with the street.

A. 9, close the street itself to motor vehicle traffic for the duration, with warning signs posted at the closure. Section 273-45 requires the applicant to indemnify the Borough for claims arising from the activities the permit allows.