Get a block party permit in Austin

Short answer

Austin's Living Streets program runs Neighborhood Block Parties: a one-time closure of a single residential block for up to 24 hours. The application costs $52 total and is due at least 15 calendar days before the event. The street must be a local road at least 15 feet wide, at least 60% of households on the block must support it, every household must be notified, and an adult monitor stays at each end of the closure the whole time.

Who this is for

Austin residents planning a one-time block party on their own residential street.

The steps, in order

1. Check that your street qualifies: a local residential road, at least 15 feet wide, a full single block with no intersections, no traffic signal, no transit route, and no paid parking.
2. Talk to the block. You need support from at least 60% of households, and 100% of the block must be notified.
3. Apply through the Living Streets page at least 15 calendar days before the party and pay the $52 application fee.
4. Plan for an adult monitor at each end of the closure for the full event.
5. Keep the party open to all residents, skip vendors and alcohol sales, and keep food trucks on private property.

Have this ready

• Your street name and block boundaries
• Support from at least 60% of households
• Your event date at least 15 days out
• $52 application fee
• Two adults willing to monitor the barricades

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying inside the 15 day window. Late applications do not qualify.
• Picking a block that includes an intersection or a busier street. Only full single blocks on local roads qualify.
• Charging admission or selling alcohol. The party must be open to all residents with no vendors and no alcohol sales.
• Leaving the barricades unwatched. An adult monitor must be posted at each end at all times.

Common questions

How much does an Austin block party permit cost?

$52 total: a $50 application fee plus a 4% processing surcharge.

How long can we close the street?

Up to 24 hours for a one-time event under the Neighborhood Block Party program. Recurring closures fall under the separate Play Streets program.

What if my street does not qualify?

Streets with multifamily buildings, schools, or businesses are reviewed case by case. You can also hold the gathering in yards or driveways without a permit as long as the street stays open.

Official source

• Living Streets Neighborhood Block Parties

Last reviewed August 26, 2026 against the official source.

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