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

010(a) gives the director of community development discretion to close a portion of any highway, street or public way for celebrations, parades, local special events such as a block party, and other purposes whenever the director determines the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of the people who will use that stretch of street during the event. Separately, the police department can close a street affected by traffic congestion if the ranking peace officer on duty determines that an assemblage or procession of vehicles threatens injury to people gathered for a holiday or special event, or that the traffic load has left the street essentially unable to move.

Under subsection (b), any closure lasts only as long as the underlying threat to public peace, health, safety or welfare exists, so a closure cannot be left in place indefinitely. 020 requires the police department to post signs, stanchions, barriers, vehicles or other devices at the closure point to give the public notice, using traffic control devices that conform to the state's uniform standards. 040 exempts public transportation vehicles and public safety or emergency vehicles from a closure unless the city council directs otherwise. Anyone planning a neighborhood block party should coordinate with the community development department ahead of the event date to secure a closure determination under this chapter.