West Des Moines, IA Special Events & Permits: Block Party Permits (2026)

City Code article 7-1D lets neighbors close a local public street, not an arterial or collector street, once per calendar year for an event with no admission charge, no sale of alcohol, a street closure capped at six hours, and no need for portable restrooms. City staff, including the City Clerk or designee and often police, fire, EMS, public works, and development services representatives, review the application against a checklist covering emergency access, barricade approval, past code violations, and whether the closure would disrupt traffic.

Sixty percent of residents in the directly affected area, including any listing agent with a home for sale there, must approve the request in writing before the City issues the permit. Applications are due at least thirty calendar days before the event unless the City waives the deadline. Applicants pay a nonrefundable application fee set by City Council resolution and, if the event requires City equipment or services, either prepay the estimated cost or reimburse the actual cost within thirty days of billing. Every applicant must sign a hold harmless and indemnification agreement covering the City.

Denials can be appealed in writing to the City Clerk for placement on the next City Council agenda, and police or fire officials can revoke a permit and end an event in progress if public safety is imminently endangered.