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District Department of Transportation

Neighborhood Block Parties

Effective Monday, April 23, 2012, the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) began to manage the public space permitting process for neighborhood block parties. Residents seeking to obtain a public space permit for an event on their block will need to submit their request directly to DDOT instead of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA).

The change will also streamline the process and set up a one-stop-shop for residents to submit their applications through DDOT’s Transportation Online Permit System (TOPS). TOPS is DDOT’s fully automated online permitting system for all public space permits. TOPS allows residents to conveniently apply for a block party permit 30 days prior to the event date. Agency reviews will be completed through TOPS. Also, applicants can visit the permit center at 1100 4th Street SW. Our program support staff will be happy to walk you through the permitting process.

The following criteria governing street closures for Neighborhood Block Parties will remain in effect:

  • The applicant must be an adult resident (21 years or older) of the block being closed.
  • The area must not exceed two intersecting streets (i.e., must be limited to one block).
  • The street must be reopened no later than 10 pm
  • The applicant must obtain the consent of 51% of households on the block.
  • Vending is prohibited. No sales, fees, or donations shall be solicited or accepted at the event.
  • No sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages allowed.
  • Accessibility for emergency equipment via an unobstructed 20-foot emergency access lane must be maintained at all times.
  • Posting of street closure/no parking signs must be completed no less than 72 hours prior to the date of the event.

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