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Portland, OR Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Authority
City Administrator / Bureau of Transportation
Governing section
Portland City Code § 17.24.017
Required
Permit plus liability insurance
Unpermitted closure
Unlawful under § 17.24.010

Summary

Portland residents must get a temporary street closure permit from the City Administrator before blocking off a street for a block party, under City Code § 17.24.017.

The City Administrator may close or by permit allow to be closed temporarily any street or portion thereof for the following reasons:

A. To facilitate construction, demolition or installation of facilities on public or private property.

B. To restrict vehicular use of an unimproved street for the protection of the public or to eliminate a neighborhood nuisance.

C. To provide for block parties.

D. To provide for community events. Such closures will include the requirements of the City Administrator and provide for appropriate insurance as required by the City Administrator protecting the public and the City.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Portland City Code § 17.24.017 lets the City Administrator close or permit the closure of any street specifically to provide for block parties, alongside construction work, unimproved-street safety closures, and community events. Section 17.24.010 backs this up: using the street area without a permit is unlawful. Closures come with the City Administrator's conditions and require insurance protecting the public and the City, administered through the Bureau of Transportation's Temporary Street Use Permitting process.

Violations & Fines

Closing a street or reserving the right-of-way without a permit is unlawful under § 17.24.010 C. Permits are revocable at any time by the City Administrator (§ 17.24.016), and a revoked permittee must restore the street area at their own cost within 90 days of notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to close my street for a block party in Portland?
Yes. City Code § 17.24.017 authorizes the City Administrator to permit street closures specifically for block parties.
What must a block party permit holder provide?
Appropriate insurance protecting the public and the City, on conditions set by the City Administrator per § 17.24.017.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Portland

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All Portland rules

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