Murfreesboro, TN Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Named activity
- Block parties, Code § 21-62
- Street closure
- Applicant provides barricades
- Private-only exemption
- Yard/driveway parking only
- Filing window
- 30 to 364 days ahead
Summary
Murfreesboro Code § 21-62 names block parties as a type of "special event," so one on a public street generally needs a City Manager permit under § 21-63, plus City-approved barricades for any closure.
"Special event:" Any event which occurs in whole or in part on public property or public right-of-way which affects the ordinary use of public streets, rights-of-way, sidewalks or other public infrastructure. This includes, but is not limited to, parades, fairs, carnivals, foot races, bicycle races, and block parties. Private gatherings which make no use of public property or streets other than for lawful parking are not included, unless the event constitutes a use of private property that is not usual or customary for that property and zoning district, and any of the following apply: (a) event duration of more than two consecutive days or two consecutive weekends, (b) overnight camping, (c) sale and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages, including beer, or (d) estimated daily attendance of more than 250 people.
(Ord. No. 77-25 § 1, 08-11-77; Ord. No. 93-O-07 § 2, 05-27-93; Ord. No. 13-O-14 § 3, 05-16-13)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Code § 21-62 lists "block parties" by name among activities that qualify as a "special event" whenever the gathering occurs in whole or part on public property or right-of-way. Under § 21-63, no one may start or take part in a qualifying block party without a City Manager permit. If the event requires closing a street, § 21-64(C) requires the applicant to supply City-acceptable barricades and traffic-warning devices and remove them afterward. A private gathering confined to a yard or driveway that uses the street only for parking is exempt, unless it involves alcohol sales, overnight camping, more than 250 attendees, or lasts more than two days.
Violations & Fines
Closing a public street for a block party without a permit and City-approved barricades violates Code §§ 21-62 through 21-64 and is punishable under Code §§ 1-8 and 21-69.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a neighborhood block party need a city permit?
Who provides barricades for the street closure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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