Based on official guidelines from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT).
Step 1: Make Sure Your Event Qualifies
Before anything else, confirm your event fits the Block Party program. The event must be free and open to the general public. Private events are NOT allowed.
Your block party also cannot exceed these thresholds, or it will need a different (Community Event) permit:
- Attendance expected to exceed 100 people at any time
- More than one permitted food vendor
- Alcohol sales or consumption on the street
- Events associated with a for-profit or nonprofit business/organization
- Closure exceeding two blocks
- Closure on an arterial street or metered area
Step 2: Check Your Street Classification
All streets in North Tabor are “Local Service Traffic” classification except: 47th, 60th, Glisan, and Burnside. So more likely than not, you’re good to go.
Step 3: Talk to Your Neighbors
Talk to your neighbors before applying for a permit. This helps with scheduling and ensures you’re not conflicting with any construction or other event that might bring extra vehicles to your block.
The city provides a notification flyer template you can print and distribute, or you can create your own. A copy of your flyer must be included in your application before submission.
Step 4: Apply for Your Free Permit
Applications should be submitted at least 15 business days before your event. The good news: the permit is free.
Apply online at: portland.gov: Apply for a Block Party Permit
Questions? Contact the PBOT Block Party team at pbotblockparty@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-4003.
New in 2026: PBOT now allows community-focused organizations (such as neighborhood associations) to apply as the permittee. If you would like us to help with the permitting, let us know: events@northtabor.org
Step 5: Know the Time & Size Rules
Street closures are limited to 8 hours per week (not to exceed 8 hours total within 7 consecutive days) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. This is inclusive of any setup or cleanup time.
Block parties may span up to 2 blocks, but intersections must remain open.
Step 6: Notify Neighbors Before the Event
Once a permit has been applied for, you are required to notify all residents on the block(s) at least two days before the permit starts.
Step 7: Set Up Barricades Correctly
Your permit will include a detailed traffic control plan. Here are the key rules:
- At both ends of your closure, install barricades 3–6 feet apart.
- Place barricades out of marked and unmarked crosswalks so people can still cross safely.
- If your block is adjacent to an arterial street, you must use Type 3 barricades (rented from a private vendor).
- If not adjacent to an arterial street, you may use Type 2 barricades or household items such as personal trash bins or furniture (daylight hours only).
- Closures past dusk require traffic control devices with retro-reflectivity and flashing lights.
Step 8: Consider Amplified Music & Noise
If your block party will include amplified music, you will need to obtain a noise permit from the City of Portland Bureau of Development Services. Contact Noise Control at 503-823-7350.
Quick Reference Checklist
Check off each item as you go — your progress is saved in your browser.
Allowing Bike Traffic Through Your Block Party
Want to keep cyclists moving through your closure? Here are some practical ways to make it work.
Designate a Bike Lane or Corridor
- Mark a clear path (typically along one side of the street) with chalk, cones, or rope barriers that guides cyclists through the closure zone.
- Keep it at least 4–5 feet wide (enough for a bike plus a little buffer).
- Make sure the path is free of tables, chairs, and other obstacles.
Signal the Route Clearly
- Post simple hand-lettered signs at each barricade that say something like “Bikes — Slow Through” with an arrow.
- Use bright chalk markings on the pavement to trace the path.
- Station a volunteer or two at the entry points to wave cyclists through and alert partygoers.
Set Expectations with Partygoers
- Mention the bike corridor in your neighbor notification flyer.
- Ask a volunteer to periodically walk the corridor and clear any chairs or kids who’ve drifted into it.
- Encourage guests to keep an eye out and step aside when a bike comes through.
Design the Party Layout Around It
- Place food tables, games, and seating toward the center or one side of the street, leaving the other side open.
- Avoid anchoring bounce houses or large items in the travel path.
Consider a “Slow Zone” Approach
- Rather than a strict separated lane, you could simply make cyclists aware they’re welcome to walk their bike through the party at a slow pace.
- This is especially practical for very short closures or narrow streets where a dedicated lane isn’t feasible.