Los Angeles, CA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- LAMC § 41.20 (amended Ord. No. 183,135, eff. 7/8/14)
- Application deadline
- At least 45 days before the event
- Late fee (under 21 days notice)
- $312 non-refundable
- Insurance requirement
- General liability required; cannot be waived
- Permitting office
- One-Stop Special Events Permit Office, Bureau of Street Services
- Parade / assembly permits
- Issued by LAPD, not Bureau of Street Services
Summary
LAMC § 41.20 requires a written Special Event Permit from the Bureau of Street Services' One-Stop Special Events Permit Office for any event requiring a street closure, reserved parking, or elevated municipal services. Applications must be filed at least 45 days before the event, with a $312 late fee for applications submitted 21 days or fewer before the event.
No person shall conduct, manage or Sponsor any Special Event without a written permit that has been approved as required by this Section... Applications for Special Events, including those requiring street closures of local streets, including collector streets, and of major and secondary highways, or lane(s) thereof, as well as those that only request reserved curb side Special Event parking when lane closures have been determined to be unnecessary, shall be filed with the One-Stop Special Events Permit Office in the Bureau of Street Services at least 45 days prior to the expected first day of the Special Event. The Sponsor shall pay a non-refundable administrative late fee of $312 for all applications submitted 21 days or less before a Special Event... The permittee for a block party Special Event shall be allowed to pick up, place and return traffic control devices required for the event from the Bureau of Street Services at the nearest convenient location. The permittee for a block party shall make a refundable deposit of an amount determined by the Bureau of Street Services to be reasonable to insure return and payment for any damage to all traffic control devices provided for the event.
Full Breakdown
Block parties are defined as Community Events under LAMC § 41.20.1(a)(7) and are routed through the same One-Stop permit office. Permittees must pay all applicable fees in advance, including salary costs, equipment, traffic control, and parking meter revenue. For block parties specifically, the permittee may pick up and return traffic control devices from the nearest Bureau of Street Services location and must post a refundable deposit to cover potential damage. General liability insurance is required and cannot be waived; the City Risk Manager must approve the insurance form. Parade and assembly permits go to the Los Angeles Police Department, not the Bureau of Street Services.
Violations & Fines
Conducting a Special Event without a permit or in violation of permit terms is punishable as a misdemeanor under LAMC § 11.00(m). The Director of the Bureau of Street Services may revoke a permit for any violation of its terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance do I need to apply for a block party permit in Los Angeles?
Who issues parade permits in LA?
Is insurance required for a block party?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California special events & permits overview
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Block Party Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle block party permits.