Southaven, MS Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

The City of Southaven Special Events Ordinance (Title VIII, Chapter 6, adopted by resolution of 9-17-24(2)) defines a block party as a gathering of neighbors or businesses for fellowship, beautification of an area, or exposure of residents to the arts or music, that may or may not require blocking a city street, and it names barbeques, picnics, music, games and dances. Section 8-140 requires a special event permit from the special events coordinator, a representative of the police department. Exempt: city-sponsored events, events completely indoors, and funeral processions.

Under § 8-141 the application goes to the coordinator on a form and must be filed not less than twenty-one (21) days before the event. Section 8-142 asks for the event location and boundaries, date and start and end times, estimated participants, vehicles, animals and structures, any sound amplification, whether food, beverages or alcohol will be sold, monitors or security, parking, banners, and water, toilets and first aid. The coordinator approves, conditionally approves or denies (§ 8-143); a denial is in writing with notice of the right of appeal.

Because a block party can close a street, § 8-145 lets the coordinator condition the permit on traffic cones and barricades, restricting the event to a portion of a street, limits on amplified sound, cleanup, and proof of notice to businesses and residences along the affected street. Section 8-144 lists denial grounds, including an event that substantially interrupts the safe movement of traffic. Denials and conditions can be appealed to the Board of Aldermen within ten (10) days (§ 8-147). Before the permit issues the applicant signs an indemnification agreement (§ 8-148) and files liability insurance under § 8-149, which does not apply to a class D event. A class D event needs no city services and has 200 persons or less attending, and pays no fees (§ 8-150). The site must be cleaned within twelve (12) hours (§ 8-151).