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

Block parties that close a public street in Palm Springs require a special event permit jointly reviewed by the City Manager's Office, Palm Springs Police, Fire, and Public Works. Applications typically need to be submitted at least 2 to 4 weeks in advance (longer for multi-block events) and include: a site map, proposed closure times (usually limited to daytime and early evening), signatures from a majority of affected residents on the block (commonly 75% consent), proof of insurance (often waived for small residential parties under a city umbrella policy), and a plan for access for emergency vehicles and garbage collection. Alcohol in public rights-of-way requires additional ABC daily license or city sign-off. Amplified music, bounce houses, food vendors, and DJs may each trigger additional conditions. Small parties fully on private driveways and yards do not require a permit as long as guest parking does not block the street and noise complies with PSMC Chapter 11.74. Street parking suspension for catering trucks and tents is handled through Parking Operations. Fees are usually modest and sometimes waived for Neighborhood Organization groups registered with the city.