Everett, MA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Section 17-19, Streets, Temporary Blocking of, in Chapter 17 of the Revised Ordinances enacted by the Everett City Council in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, lets neighborhoods close a city street safely for neighborhood block parties, celebrations, graduation parties or other like events. A party does not include a garage sale, yard sale, bazaar, rummage sale or other activity whose principal purpose is fundraising for an individual or organization, nor a political meeting or rally, carnival, or theatrical or musical performance such as a rock concert.

Any person, before blocking or barricading a road in the City of Everett for such an event, shall obtain a permit from the City Clerk or designee. The Clerk issues it with the further approval of the Chief of Police, the Fire Chief and the Director of City Services. The permit covers one particular date only and a specified time period of a single duration, and the application must be filed at least fourteen (14) days before the party. It must give the applicant's name and address, a declaration of approval signed by at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the residents of the proposed block, the street portions to be blocked (major arteries and bus routes are exempted), a description of the party, and the date and hours, with holidays and weekends only.

The permit is denied if it lacks the three officials' signatures, if blocking the street on that date will unduly interfere with the flow of vehicular traffic, or if the party is inconsistent with the section. The Clerk gives the reason for denial in writing. The permit is valid only for the date and hours specified, not before 8:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m., and no more than two (2) permits are granted in any calendar year for the same neighborhood.

The city, not the host, sets up the closure: the Director of City Services or designee blocks the street with devices of his choice and provides detour signs, and no other person shall block or place barricades in the road. Blocked streets cannot hold picnic tables or other obstacles that cannot be readily moved for emergency vehicles. The applicant cleans up litter and debris, and no alcoholic beverages shall be consumed on the public way, streets or sidewalks. The Chief of Police can assign a liaison officer and can request a paid detail for functions involving over fifty (50) people. The City Solicitor requires a hold-harmless agreement from the permit holder.