Berwyn, IL Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Section 1020.07 of the Berwyn Code of Ordinances defines a block party as a congregation of citizens or neighbors held outdoors on public property to conduct activities such as children's games, picnics, food preparation and dispensing, and entertainment. Nobody can hold one, or otherwise occupy or use a public street, alley, roadway, parkway or sidewalk for that purpose, without a written permit from the city.

The filing goes to the City Clerk's office, and it cannot go in sooner than 30 days before the proposed date. Two documents are required. The first is a petition stating the date, time and specific location, signed by no fewer than 50% of the property owners residing within the designated location. The second is a written statement from the organizers naming, with address and telephone number, the person responsible for the event and agreeing that every provision of the section will be followed. The City Clerk places the petition on the agenda for the next available Council meeting, and the decision of Council is final. The section provides no further appeal.

A permit does not relax the operating rules in § 1020.07(D). Barricades cannot hinder emergency vehicle access. Activities cannot start before 8:00 a.m. and must stop by 9:00 p.m. No individual admission charge can be collected for entertainment, food, products or amusements. The peace disturbance provisions of Chapter 666 of the General Offenses Code must be reasonably complied with given the nature of the event. Amplified music, live or reproduced, must be no louder than necessary for the convenient hearing of people attending and should not unreasonably disturb neighboring blocks not involved. Activities not otherwise authorized by state or local law are prohibited, and the section names fireworks displays specifically.

The block party rule was adopted by Ord. 93-38, passed 7-13-1993.