Fairfield, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Fairfield Municipal Code Chapter 12A, the Special Events Ordinance (Ord. No. 2013-25, as amended by Ord. Nos. 2021-11 and 2023-06), defines a "Block Party" as a festive gathering on a residential street that requires closing the street, or part of it, to vehicular traffic for barbecues, picnics, music or games. Because a Block Party still counts as a Special Event, the organizer must apply to the Director for a permit between 30 and 90 days before the date under Section 12A.5(b); a request filed less than 30 days out can still be accepted if the Expedite Fee is paid, though never inside 10 days of the event.

Section 12A.6(e)(2) requires the application to include a Traffic Control Plan and documentation that every neighbor along the affected block has been notified, plus signatures from at least two-thirds of the residents of dwellings on that block accepting the proposed date, start and end time, and location. The Director can deny or condition the permit on grounds listed in Section 12A.8, including traffic congestion, conflicting events, or interference with a nearby school in session. Cleanup deposits apply under Section 12A.17 if food, structures, or animals are involved, and the organizer must sign the indemnification agreement in Section 12A.14. Approved permits, or denials, can be appealed to the City Council within seven days under Section 12A.11.