Streets Department unveils new online block party application

Sound a Silent Alarm and get ready for A Weekend in the City full of hot dogs, bouncy castles, and summer jams: The Streets Department just made it easier to apply for a block party permits, unveiling today a new online application.  

According to a 2013 City Paper article, Philadelphia shuts down more streets than any other major American city for block parties – 7,116 in 2012 alone, compared to about 5,000 in Boston and 2,300 in New York City. It’s part of our cultural DNA, what makes Philly, Philly

Nothing else about the application itself is changing: you will still need 75 percent of the households on the effected blocks to sign off on a street closure. The fee is still $25 if you submit the application three weeks in advance, $60 otherwise. All applications, with signatures of your approving neighbors, must be submitted at least five days in advance, and ideally more. You can submit scanned signatures on the application page.

You can read the entire list of conditions here. After you’re finished, grab a clipboard and go meet your neighbors. It’s party time.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal