Block Parties and Street Activities

Overview

All activities or events that interfere with or obstruct normal use of streets or sidewalks must have a permit. These events include street festivals, block parties, farmers markets, commercial or promotional events, and other events on the City's streets, sidewalks and pedestrian plazas.

Who Can Apply

While anyone is able to file a permit application online, the permit must be issued to a Sponsor, who will be fully responsible for the conduct of the event. A Sponsor can be a community-based, not-for-profit organization, association, or the like, which has a close relationship to the community and street where the event will be taking place. Examples of sponsors include block or community associations, religious or civic organizations, merchant associations, business improvement districts, and other not-for-profit corporations.

How to Apply

Get started by filling out an online application on SAPO's E-Apply system. You will need to pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card.

Important Notes

Application deadlines differ depending on the type of street event you want to host. Check the deadlines on the SAPO website to ensure that you apply for your permit in time to host your event. Failure to submit your application by the specified deadline will result in an automatic denial of the permit by SAPO. Rules and sponsor requirements vary depending on the event type.

Contact

• SAPO office: (212) 788-0025, Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM EST
• Community Board 14: (718) 859-6357 for assistance or to schedule an appointment