Chico, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Public works director
- Application deadline
- 5 business days ahead
- Governing term
- "Public assembly," Chapter 14.50
- Fee waiver
- Available if applicant can't pay
- Violation class
- Infraction, City Charter § 1505
Summary
Chico regulates a block party as a 'public assembly' under Chapter 14.50, requiring a public works permit filed at least 5 business days before a street is closed to traffic.
Public Assembly. The term “public assembly” means any organized activity on or within a city street, sidewalk or other public right-of-way which the public is invited to observe or participate in, except athletic events subject to Chapter 14.55 of this code, for which any public street is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic.
C. Event. The term “event” means a parade or public assembly which is the subject of a permit application filed pursuant to this chapter. (Ord. 2275)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code § 14.50.020(B) defines a "public assembly" as any organized activity on a city street, sidewalk, or right-of-way that the public is invited to join, for which a street is temporarily closed to vehicular traffic: the category a neighborhood block party falls under. Section 14.50.050(A) makes it unlawful to hold one without a permit from the public works director, and § 14.50.060(B) requires the application at least five business days before the event. Before the permit issues, the sponsor must sign an indemnification agreement and pay a traffic-control fee (§§ 14.50.140-.150), though the director can waive the fee for an applicant who shows they can't afford it.
Violations & Fines
Closing a street for a block party without a permit, or breaking a permit's conditions, is an infraction fined under Chico City Charter § 1505 (§ 14.50.220), and the director, police chief, or fire chief can revoke or shut down an unpermitted closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to close my street for a block party in Chico?
How soon before a block party must I apply in Chico?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
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