Paterson, NJ Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Director of Public Works
- Standard fee
- $30 residents' event
- Commercial fee
- $100 for profit/advertising
- Objection cap
- 10% of fronting residents
- Area limit
- One city block
Summary
Paterson requires a Director of Public Works permit before closing a street for a block party, capped at one city block, with a resident-filed application and a neighbor objection period.
No person may temporarily close or attempt to temporarily close any street within the city to motor vehicle traffic without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Works. Any activity conducted within a closed street shall be conducted strictly in accordance with the conditions specified in the permit issued by the Director of Public Works.
B. Applications for a permit for temporary street closing shall be made upon forms provided by the Director of Public Works and shall contain all of the following information:
(1) The name, residence and business addresses and phone number of the organization or association sponsoring the temporary street closing. If the sponsor is an organization or association, the application shall contain the names, residence and business addresses and phone numbers of the head of the organization and all persons:
(a) Having an interest or position of management or control in the organization.
(b) Who are or will be engaged in organizing, promoting, controlling, managing or soliciting participation in the event occasioning the temporary street closing.
(2) The date or dates and beginning and ending hours of the temporary street closing.
(3) A description of the block to be closed by use of street numbers, street name, intersecting street, etc.
(4) The estimated number of persons who will participate in the block party or recreational event for which the closing is sought.
(5) The purpose of the street closing.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 137 lets a street close for a block party or recreational event within one city block if fewer than 10% of fronting residents object, a resident 17 or older files the application, and required notice and objection periods run first. The permit fee is $30, or $100 if the event is commercial, for advertising, or for profit (§ 137-1). No one may close a street to vehicle traffic without first getting this permit from the Director of Public Works (§ 137-4A), and the applicant must sign a hold-harmless agreement covering losses or injuries at the event.
Violations & Fines
Closing or attempting to close a street to vehicular or pedestrian traffic without a permit draws a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days imprisonment, up to 90 days community service, or a combination (§ 137-10).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues a Paterson block party permit?
How much does a Paterson block party permit cost?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey special events & permits overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.