Millcreek, PA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Article VIII of Chapter 40, Special Events Permitting, was adopted 7-25-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-16. Section 40-54 defines a block party as a one-day outdoor event, organized by the residents of a Township neighborhood, utilizing a Township right-of-way for social or entertainment purposes, including barbecues, picnics, music or games. Block party permits are limited to Residential districts as defined in the Zoning Code. Block party appears by name in the definition of special event, and § 40-55A requires a special event permit before anyone sponsors one.

Section 40-56B requires the application not less than 60 days before the event. The Office of Emergency Management coordinates with Township departments and approves, conditionally approves or denies within 21 days of a completed application, and silence after 21 days is deemed a denial. A denied applicant can appeal to the Township Supervisors within 14 days, and the Supervisors hear it at their next regularly scheduled meeting. The form under § 40-57 asks for a copy of the applicant's driver's license, the person in charge on the day, the event's start and end times, a map or diagram with parking information, and a clean-up plan if the event is on public property. Fees are set by resolution of the Board of Supervisors under § 40-58.

Before issuance, § 40-60 requires an indemnification agreement and proof of insurance naming Millcreek Township, its officers, employees and agents as additional insured. A clean-up deposit applies to events on public right-of-way, and a police and emergency services deposit applies when the Office of Emergency Management requires those services. Under § 40-59B(1)(j), a block party permit can be conditioned on notice to residents of dwellings along the affected streets. Conditions can also include barricades, traffic cones and restrictions on amplified sound, and § 40-59B(2) keeps the noise ordinance in force. Section 40-55B exempts private residential social gatherings not held open to the general public.