Washington, DC Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard rent
- $1.00 per square foot
- Class C/D retailer rent
- $2.00 per square foot
- Rental period
- Street closure or 24 hours
- Payment recipient
- Metropolitan Police Department, paid in advance
- Eligible lessee
- Entire street-level floor occupant only
Summary
Washington, D.C. lets the lessee of a building fronting a closed street rent the adjoining public space for a street festival, capped at $1.00 per square foot, or $2.00 for certain retailer's-license holders, paid in advance to police.
The rent for the use of public space as provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall be $1.00 per square foot for the duration of the rental period, except the rent by the holder of a retailer's license, Class C or a retailer's license, Class D as defined in subchapter II of Chapter 1 of Title 25, shall be $2.00 per square foot for the duration of the rental period. Rent shall be paid in advance to the Metropolitan Police Department for the payment of costs associated with the closing of the street for the street festival.
Full Breakdown
D.C. Code § 10-1102.01a lets the lessee of a building fronting a closed street rent the adjoining public space during a street festival, capped at $1.00 per square foot, or $2.00 per square foot for holders of a Class C or Class D retailer's license, for the closure period or 24 hours, whichever is shorter. Only a lessee occupying the entire street-level floor, or the floor above or below where there is no street level, qualifies. Rent is paid in advance to the Metropolitan Police Department, and business associations may obtain permits on behalf of multiple festival vendors.
Violations & Fines
Renting public space during a street festival without paying the required $1 or $2 per square foot fee in advance, or claiming eligibility without occupying the qualifying floor, violates § 10-1102.01a and can void the space rental.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can rent public space for a D.C. street festival?
How much does it cost to rent sidewalk space during a street festival?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
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