Block Parties

A permit to conduct a neighborhood block party gives you permission to temporarily close a portion of your residential street (non-arterial/collector) to hold an event or activity for local residents.

• A Special Event Permit is required for all block parties conducted with the City of Visalia and must follow the Special Event Permit process.
• Applications shall be initiated at least one month prior to the event.
• Applications will not be processed until the application all required forms are received and the application fee has been paid. Fees may be paid by check, in person, through the mail, or by credit card over the phone at (559) 713-4444.

Special Event Encroachment Permits will generally not be issued:

• On major street
• On any street which is not entirely within the City limits
• On streets which provide major access for a
  • Subdivisions
  • Church
  • Public Park
  • Fire Station
  • Community Center
  • Business which is in operation during the hours of the block party

• Additional Requirements

• The permittee will be held responsible for clean-up, removal of barricades and all other obstructions paced in conjunction with the block party, after the approved conclusion of the street closure.

• The permittee will be held responsible for any municipal code violations that may occur at the event, such as, but not limited to: Illegal Burning, Illegal Fireworks, and Loud Music.

• Hours of the Block Party Street Closure will be limited as approved by the City, but in no circumstances can go past 10:00 p.m.

• Right of ingress and egress for every parcel of land must be maintained .

• Standard barricades with "Street Closed Thru Traffic" signs must be placed across the street at each intersection of the designated closure. Permitee will be held responsible for meeting the requirement. The required barricades and signs will not be furnished by the City, but can be rented from a traffic control company.

• There will not be any obstacle placed adjacent to any fire hydrant.

• An 18-ft unobstructed roadway must maintained along the closed sections of streets. The City will not authorize the prohibition of parking to meet this requirement. It is suggested that you request (in advance of the block party), the cooperation of the neighbors to move their cars off the street.

• A responsible person shall be available to remove the barricades if emergency access is necessary.

• The Event Encroachment Permit can be rescinded at any time by the Visalia Police Department, Visalia Fire Department, or any other City of Visalia official if any problem should occur.