Spokane Valley, WA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

SVMC § 5.15.010(G)(1) lists block parties among the activities that qualify as a "special event" under Chapter 5.15 SVMC, and § 5.15.010(I) separately defines a "street dance" as any organized dance held on a public street, public sidewalk, or publicly owned parking lot, a common feature of neighborhood block parties. Both require a permit from the parks and recreation director under § 5.15.020, filed at least four weeks in advance under § 5.15.050, describing the proposed location, dates and times, expected attendance, sound equipment or bands involved, and portable sanitation needs under § 5.15.040.

Because a block party occupies a residential street rather than a route, the bond requirement in § 5.15.060 is directly relevant: the director sets a cash deposit or performance bond of not less than $50 and no more than $1,000 to guarantee the street is cleaned and returned to its prior condition, escalating to city council review if cleanup costs would likely exceed $1,000. Organizers must also carry $1,000,000 per-occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, and agree to indemnify the City for claims arising from the event under § 5.15.070.

The director cannot approve a block party that would close a City-designated arterial during the 7:00-9:00 a.m. or 4:00-6:00 p.m. weekday commute windows under § 5.15.080(I), and may require the applicant to prepay for any traffic control barricades or personnel under § 5.15.090.