Lafayette Parish, LA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit authority
- Director, Dept. of Traffic and Transportation
- Lead time
- 5 working days before event
- Required sign-off
- Police and fire department non-objection
- Minor-street closure cap
- Up to 8 hours
- Max penalty
- $500 fine / 6 months jail
Summary
Blocking a Lafayette street for a block party or similar function requires a Traffic and Transportation Department permit filed at least five working days ahead, per City-Parish Code § 78-266.
Persons who plan an activity or function that will impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on or adjacent to any public street ... and require the public right-of-way be partially or completely closed for a temporary time period shall be required to obtain a permit from the director. ... This permit shall be obtained a minimum of five days prior to the scheduled activity or function.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 65).
Full Breakdown
Anyone planning an activity that will block a public street must get a permit from the director of Traffic and Transportation, filed at least five working days before the event. The application needs police and fire department sign-off, plus a petition from directly affected property owners showing awareness of and approval or objection to the closure. Minor streets, alleys or sidewalks may be closed for promotional functions for up to eight hours. Mardi Gras, Festival International and similar recurring holiday events are exempt from the permit requirement. The rule applies in the City of Lafayette and the unincorporated parish alike, but not in Broussard, Carencro, Duson, Scott, Youngsville or Milton.
Violations & Fines
Closing a street without an approved permit is a Code violation under the general penalty clause: a fine up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both, with each day treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a block party in unincorporated Lafayette Parish?
Are Mardi Gras parties exempt from the permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lafayette Parish
Compare Lafayette Parish to another location·View the Louisiana special events & permits overview
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