Neighborhood Block Party Guidelines

1. Block parties are intended for participation by the neighborhood and shall not be for private celebrations or gatherings and shall have less than 100 attendees.
2. A Neighborhood Block Party Application must be submitted to the Public Works Department for review/approval a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days before the Neighborhood Block Party’s date.
3. All applicants must be a resident of the public street requested to be closed, must be 18 years or older, and must provide a completed copy of the Neighborhood Block Party Petition with their Neighborhood Block Party Application. Each resident within the road closure for the Neighborhood Block Party must provide their name, address, phone number, and sign the petition. A minimum of 70% of the residents must sign the petition for your application to be considered. A copy of photo identification (Arizona Driver’s license or I.D.) of the applicant will be required to complete the application process.
4. Applicants are responsible for notifying their HOA.
5. All closures must begin and end at an intersection or in cul‐de‐sacs. Streets may not be closed mid‐ block or in front of a single home. Collector and arterial roadways will not be approved for neighborhood block parties. This program applies only to City of Avondale owned rights of way. The City will not permit block parties on private roadways or roadways in other jurisdictions (i.e., Maricopa County).
6. Streets and sidewalks must not be altered in any way in preparation for or during a block party. Objects placed in the roadway and within the closure must be easily removable. Items not allowed in the street or sidewalk include any permanent or semi-permanent structure that could hinder the flow of emergency traffic, such as fences, stages, tents, signage, portable restrooms or permanent restroom facilities, generators, carnival, or amusement rides including inflatable bounce houses or slides, food trucks, food trailers, RVs, fireworks. Party organizers must clear the streets and sidewalks of signs, debris, and any other materials after the party. The City of Avondale may charge the applicant for any cleanup or repairs because of the Neighborhood Block Party.
7. The block party set up must maintain one clear travel lane adjacent to one curb to allow emergency vehicle access through the site.
8. Block parties will only be allowed on Saturdays, Sundays, and the following holidays:
   1. Independence Day (4^th of July).
   2. Labor Day
   3. Memorial Day
9. Block parties are not allowed on weekdays (other than listed holidays) due to weekday operations like school bus service, mail delivery, trash collection, etc.
10. The allowable time for a block party is 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
11. Barricades used to close the street will be supplied by the City of Avondale. Barricades and “Street Closed” signs will be delivered to the address of the applicant the business day before and picked up within three business days after the Neighborhood Block Party. The applicant is responsible for setting up the barricades before and removing them from the roadway after the Block Party.
12. Alcohol must be consumed on private property. Alcohol shall not be sold or given to minors.
13. Any sound such as band music, recorded music and any amplifying equipment, or any other noise must comply with the City’s noise ordinance.

The City of Avondale Public Works Department will issue an approved Neighborhood Block Party Application authorizing the applicant to the close the roadway for their block party. A copy of the approved application will be sent via e‐mail (preferred) or may be picked up in person at the City of Avondale Public Works Department at 399 E. Lower Buckeye Road, Avondale. The approved application must be available on site during the duration of the Neighborhood Block Party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to notify the City that we are having a Neighborhood Block Party?

Neighborhood Block Parties are normally held in the public roadway that will need to be closed to traffic. Applications must be submitted to the Public Works Department for review/approval a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days before the Block Party’s date so there is adequate time to notify emergency services (fire, police, etc.) and other City departments.

How long does it take to get my permit?

You will be contacted within four (4) City working days (Monday‐Thursday) regarding the status of your application and whether it is approved, denied, or if additional information if necessary.

What streets can be closed?

Block Parties are allowed on local streets only. Closing of arterial streets, collector streets, and the first block that intersects with arterial streets is not permitted. The City of Avondale reserves the right to prohibit any street closure for a block party. The City will not permit block parties on roadways in other jurisdictions (i.e., Maricopa County) or private roadways.

Who can I invite to the Block Party?

Block parties are restricted to the residents and guests on the street to be closed for the Block Party.

How do I get the barricades to close my street?

Barricades used to close the street will be supplied by the City of Avondale. Barricades and “Street Closed” signs will be delivered to the address of the applicant the business day before and picked up within three business days after the Block Party. The applicant is responsible for setting up the barricades before and removing them from the roadway after the Block Party ends in accordance with the event timeframe noted on the approved Block Party application.

How much does it cost to have a Block Party?

There is no cost to City residents for a Block Party.

I live on a private roadway within a private subdivision and want to host a block party. Do the Block Party Guidelines apply to me?

No. This application process applies to Block Parties held on City owned local public roadways only. The request for a Block Party on private roadways should be routed through your neighborhood HOA and coordinated with Avondale emergency services (fire, police, etc.).