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

Block party permits in Chicago are administered through the aldermanic offices and the Chicago Department of Transportation. The process begins with contacting your local alderman's office, which enters the permit request into the City Service Request (CSR) system. This constitutes the aldermanic request for a recreational street closing under Municipal Code Section 9-12-040. CDOT must receive the request at least 3 business days before the event to ensure the permit is issued in time. Key restrictions: block party permits are limited to a single block (intersection to intersection); the street must be one on which the applicant resides; closure hours are 10 AM to 10 PM; permits are not issued for consecutive days; commercial use is prohibited; and permits will not be issued for Federal Aid Urban Streets (arterial streets) or bus routes.

There is no fee for a block party permit. Barricades for the closure must be obtained by the applicant. Sound amplification must comply with the city's noise ordinance (Chapter 8-32). Alcohol consumption at block parties on the public way is subject to the city's open container laws unless a special event liquor license is obtained.