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Saint Paul, MN Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Application deadline: 60 days before the event
Permit fee: $50 first block, $25/added block, $200 cap
Owner consent required: 60% of adjacent owners/tenants
Liability insurance: $300,000 / $1,000,000 minimum
Allowed hours: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Small-party fee exemption: 1 block, no food, 8am-sunset
Appeal window: 5 days to city council

Summary

Saint Paul requires a police-issued permit before closing any public street, sidewalk, or alley for a block party or community festival. Legislative Code § 366.04 requires the application at least 60 days ahead, written consent from 60% of adjacent property owners, and liability insurance. Fees run $50 for the first block and $25 per additional block, capped at $200, under § 366.03.

(a)Permit required. No person or organization shall use any public street, sidewalk or alley for a block party or community festivals in the city without a permit. [Sec. 366.01(a)] ... The fee for a permit shall be fifty dollars ($50.00) for events not more than one (1) city block in length and twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each additional block included within the area of the block party or community festival up to a maximum fee of two hundred dollars ($200.00). [Sec. 366.03(a)] ... Application; time limit. Application for a permit shall be submitted to the police department at least sixty (60) calendar days prior to the event. The time limit may be waived by the police chief or his or her designee upon submission of proof of extreme hardship on the part of the applicant. [Sec. 366.04(a)]

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 133 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

01(a). 04(a); the police chief can waive that deadline only on proof of extreme hardship. 04(d)). 05). 03(a)). Applicants also owe a traffic-control fee set by the police chief to cover the officers assigned to the event. 01(b). 09. 06).

Violations & Fines

Any violation of Chapter 366, or of a condition attached to a block party or community festival permit, is a misdemeanor under § 366.10. Holding an unpermitted street closure, exceeding the permitted hours, or ignoring committee-imposed conditions on loudspeakers or alcohol sales all expose organizers to citation, and the city can deny future permit requests for repeat violations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance do I need to apply for a Saint Paul block party permit?

At least 60 calendar days before the event, filed with the police department under § 366.04(a). The police chief can waive the deadline only if you show extreme hardship in applying late.

How much does a Saint Paul block party permit cost?

$50.00 covers the first city block, and each additional block adds $25.00, up to a $200.00 maximum, per § 366.03(a). You'll also owe a separate traffic-control fee set by the police chief to cover officers assigned to the event.

Do I need my neighbors' permission for a block party?

Yes. Section 366.04(b) requires written consent from 60 percent of the property owners or tenants adjacent to the street, sidewalk, or alley you want to close, unless the council waives that requirement on written petition for larger events.

Can I skip the fee for a small block party?

Yes, § 366.01(b) exempts block parties that sell no food, cover no more than one city block, run only between 8:00 a.m. and sunset, and are filed 30 days ahead from the fee, insurance, and indemnity requirements.

Sources & Official References

[1]Saint Paul Legislative Code Chapter 366 (Block Parties and Community Festivals)

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