Clayton County, GA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Because a block party is an organized gathering that takes place on a public street or right-of-way, it falls under the 'special event' definition in Sec. 22-701 and needs a permit under Sec. 22-702 before it can happen; holding one without a permit is unlawful. Sec. 22-719 governs the closure itself: the complete or partial closure of any street, sidewalk or public way as part of a special event must be approved by the traffic engineer in consultation with the chief of police. The permit application must be filed with the director of community development at least 60 days before the event, with a nonrefundable $25.00 fee under Sec.

22-703, and must include a map at least 8½ by 11 inches marking the outer boundaries of the closed area and identifying every public street and sidewalk within or adjacent to it under Sec. 22-702(d). The director circulates the application to affected departments, including the police department, to determine personnel, time and cost for services like the closure under Sec. 22-705, and the county must approve or deny within 30 working days of a complete application under Sec. 22-707. If the gathering is expected to draw 200 or more people, the building inspection department can require temporary outdoor toilets and sets their number and placement under Sec.

22-715. Temporary tents, stages or grandstands set up for the party need building inspection department approval under Sec. 22-718, and any banners marking the party must come down within 48 hours of the event's close under Sec. 22-720.