Tonawanda, NY Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

Town Code Article III of Chapter 183, adopted by Local Law 1-1983, authorizes temporary blocking of Town streets for a neighborhood block party, celebration or event under Town Law § 64, Subdivision 10-b. Section 183-22 puts the Superintendent of Highways in charge of issuing the permit, but the application itself goes to the Town Clerk at least 20 days before the party and must state the applicant's name and address, the street and portion to be blocked, a description of the party, whether an exemption from the Town's Open Container Local Law is requested, and the date and hours; an application fee set by Town Board resolution is payable at filing.

Section 183-23 lets the Superintendent deny a permit found not in the Town's best interests or that would unduly interfere with vehicular traffic, with written notice of the reason for any denial. Section 183-24 caps the permitted hours between 9:00 a.m. and midnight. Section 183-25 makes the applicant responsible for litter and debris removal, chargeable to the applicant if the Town has to clean up instead, and § 183-26 requires that any barricades remain readily movable so emergency vehicles can get through. Section 183-27 limits the Town Board to granting no more than two block party permits per calendar year for the same street segment.