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

Chapter 160, adopted October 15, 2024 by Ord. No. 7944-24, defines a block party as a resident-sponsored neighborhood gathering on a public street closed to vehicle traffic. The applicant must be a bona fide resident over 18 living on the affected street and must file with the City Clerk at least 30 days before the event, listing contact information, proposed date and start/end times, the streets and cross-streets to be closed with a sketch, and signatures from every affected property owner consenting to the closure and street blockage.

Applicants must execute a hold-harmless agreement indemnifying the City, and the Police and Fire Departments review the application and issue recommendations before the governing body decides; the City Clerk gives written notice of approval or denial with reasons for any denial. No goods or wares may be sold, only food and non-alcoholic beverages consumed by residents and guests, and no political-contribution solicitation or political signs may be placed on public property under Chapters 251 and 185. Permits are valid only for the stated date and hours, which cannot start before noon or run past sunset.

Organizers must clear all litter, debris, barricades and control devices from the street within 30 minutes after the party ends, and the blocked street cannot be obstructed in a way that would stop emergency vehicles from entering. Block parties are authorized only on City-owned streets, not county or state roads, and no more than one permit is issued for the same designated street area per calendar year.