Reno, NV Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Reno Municipal Code Chapter 5.13 defines a "special event" as any planned gathering of 75 or more persons assembling on a city street, park, or other public property, or any activity that requires city management of streets or public property. Sec. 5.13.030 makes it unlawful to conduct a special event without first obtaining a special event permit from the city manager, and unlawful to sell or give away tickets before a completed application is submitted. Smaller gatherings and several listed activities (funeral processions, picketing/marching on sidewalks, small park gatherings of 75 or fewer for expressive activity) are exempted under Sec. 5.13.040, but a residential block party that closes a street to traffic falls squarely under the permit requirement. Applications go through the city; a park permit under Chapter 8.23 is separately required if the event uses a city park.