Richmond, VA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Approving official
- Chief of Police
- Max duration
- 24 hours (rain date allowed)
- Insurance required
- $1,000,000 combined liability, City named
- Advertising
- Not allowed on closed street
- Companion fee
- $50 per street (§ 8-279)
Summary
The Chief of Police can approve a temporary street closure in Richmond for a private purpose like a block party, closing connecting alleys too, as long as no advertising is displayed and the organizer carries $1,000,000.00 in liability insurance naming the City. A $50.00 application fee applies per street closed for a special event.
(a)The Chief of Police may permit the temporary use of streets within the corporate limits of the City for other than public purposes and may close such streets and alleys connected therewith for public use and travel during the period of such temporary use; provided no matter advertising any thing or business is displayed in or on the street in connection with such temporary use, and the person so permitted to use the street furnishes a commercial general liability insurance policy with a combined single limit of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence... (b)Any permit issued pursuant to the authority conferred in this section shall expire in no more than 24 hours, but may provide for a rain date if inclement weather shall prevent the temporary use of such street for the purposes authorized in the permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).
Full Breakdown
Richmond City Code § 24-336 lets the Chief of Police permit the temporary use of a street for other than public purposes, such as a block party, and to close that street along with any connecting alleys for the duration. 00 combined single limit naming the City as an additional insured, with at least 45 days' notice required before the policy could be cancelled or not renewed. If the closed street is part of the State highway system, the Chief of Police must arrange an adequate detour for through traffic.
Under Section 24-336(b), any permit issued this way expires in no more than 24 hours, though it can include a rain date if bad weather prevents the planned use. 00 parade permit fee. Absent a Chief of Police permit under Section 24-336, a street or alley can only be closed to public use and travel by a duly enacted City Council ordinance under Section 24-313.
Violations & Fines
Section 24-336 itself carries no stated fine, but it is the only route to a short-term closure outside a Council ordinance under Section 24-313. Closing a street or alley without either a Council ordinance or a Chief of Police temporary-use permit is an unauthorized use of a public way under Section 24-25, prosecuted as a Class 1 misdemeanor with fines up to $2,500.00, in addition to any liability for damage or injury during the unpermitted closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who approves a block party street closure in Richmond?
How long can a Richmond temporary street closure permit last?
What insurance do I need for a Richmond block party street closure?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richmond
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