Special Event Permits

Special events are moving events held on the street and/or sidewalk, such as runs, walks, marches, parades or bicycle races. Applications - Click here for special event information.

Block Party Permits

Block parties are small-scale events that close not more than one or two blocks of a local service residential street for small scale gatherings, such as a neighborhood potlucks or barbeques.  Block parties are initiated by and are intended to attract only local residents who live on the street being closed. There are two different block party applications - one that requires insurance, and a simple 1-4 block closure that allows for insurance as optional.  Please see links below for options and to see which your event or street configuration requires:

• Block Party (insurance optional) are permits that allow 1 to 4 city blocks to be closed, but with specific criteria that must be met. Click here for the list of criteria, application & instructions or call  503-823-4003
• Block Party (insurance required) are permits that don't meet the requirements of the insurance-optional application. Click here for the application & instructions or call 503-823-4003 

Insurance is required for a closure that does not qualify for the  block party street closure -- insurance optional permit. See options listed below for insurance coverage.  

• Many home-owners’ policies offer coverage for an event.
• A special rider may be purchased to cover the closure.
• Many insurance agencies may put together what is called a special event policy.
• Tenant Users Liability Policy (TULIP).  The City has arranged to make available liability insurance through this program. Find information about TULIP at https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bibs/60224

Permits submitted after July 1st, 2013, will be assessed fees per the following fee structure:

Block Party - Insurance Optional:    $10

Block Party - Insurance Required:  $15

Block Party - Intersection Repair:   $15 

Please call 503-823-4003 if you have any questions.

National Night Out 2013 is August 6. Applicable permit fees will be waived for events occuring between 8/3 and 8/11.

Community Event Permits

Community event are for larger events that invite participants from the entire neighborhood or the greater community.  Community events are non-political, non-commercial and provide a civic benefit to the community. The street closure permit issued to restrict vehicular access only. A pedestrian route must remain open for pedestrians that wish to travel through the closed street area. The event must be free to the general public.  All events shall have a non-profit affiliation.  A for-profit agency may apply for a community event street closure permit only if it has a non-profit beneficiary and all promotional material for the event shall include the non-profit agency and/or cause.

Community event street closure permits are intended to build a sense of community within the neighborhood in which they are held. If you become aware of an event that does not meet this intention, please notify the Bureau of Transportation at 503.823.7073 and let us know.  Or, if you would like you may contact your district neighborhood coalition directly and ask them to contact us or the Office of Neighborhood Involvement on your behalf.

Please see information below on how to apply for a Community Event Permit.

To Apply For A Community Event Permit

A complete application includes all materials listed below: 

1) Application Forms:  Select and fill out the application link below that matches your event type.

The information may be typed out or handwritten.

Yes Alcohol in Closed Street Area Click here for application for community event street closure permit with alcohol allowed in the right of way

No Alcohol in Closed Street Area  Click here for application for community event street closure permit with alcohol prohibited in the right of way

 If you need information on your neighborhood association/coalition, please see the following link:

Click here to identify your neighborhood association or district coalition office and/or contact information.

2) Supplemental documents:  see letters A - F below:   

All applications for community event street closure permits (including alcohol or not) require the following supplemental documents to complete application.  All items listed below must be submitted by the application timelines stated on this website.  The supplemental documents are identified on the application forms with an arrow symbol -->

A) --> Signature Form for Notification of Upcoming Community Event Street Closure from adjacent properties

click here for community event signature form.

B) --> Site-specific Traffic Control Plan

click here for the standard one-block street closure traffic control plan.   If the conditions or configuration of your proposed street closure do not resemble those of the standard traffic control plan, you are required to submit a custom traffic control plan that is approvable by the City Traffic Engineer.

C) --> A site plan that shows the proposed street closure and all items you wish to place in the right-of-way. The plan should illustrate the street layout of the event including:

1. A minimum 15ft-wide lane that shall be open and clear at all times for emergency access vehicles
2. Bike parking accommodation click here for more information on bike parking
3. All temporary structures, such as stages, tents, tables etc.
4. Portable restrooms

D) --> Certificate of liability insurance and additional insured endorsement:

click here for insurance requirements

E) --> A letter from the non-profit beneficiary acknowledging its relationship with the event (if the applicant is not a non-profit)

* PLEASE NOTE:  If you are a for profit agency, you have to establish a non-profit beneficiary associated with the event.  A letter from the non-profit beneficiary is required as part of your application.

F) --> Examples of outreach and promotional materials such as flyers, posters, advertisements, press release, etc.

The City of Portland's Office of Planning and Sustainability offers free recycling assistance to event coordinators and planners. Click here for more information.

We prefer to receive applications via email to pbotcommunityevent@portlandoregon.gov, but also accept them through the following methods:

FAX to 503-279-3953; You may also mail or hand deliver to:

Portland Bureau of Transportation, SSM/Community Events, 1120 SW 5^th Avenue Suite 800,  Portland, OR 97204

Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, front desk 503-823-5185

Note: Please do not send fee payment with your application.  Fees are paid at the time you pick up the permit.

Application Timeline

If your event will have alcohol in the closed street, a complete application shall be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks in advance of the event date.*  Please note: events that require less coordination with other bureaus may be processed in less than 6 weeks.

If your event will not have alcohol in the closed street area, the application shall be submitted a minimum of 4 weeks in advance of the event date.

Fees

Community event fees are determined by three criteria.

1. Audience: Is this event advertised to just a neighborhood or citywide?
2. Sponsor: Is this event sponsored by a for-profit or a non-profit?
3. Alcohol: Is this event with alcohol or without alcohol?

Neighborhood Event (local)

For-Profit Applicant             

With alcohol: $483 fee

Without alcohol: $168 fee

Non-Profit Applicant          

With alcohol: $315 fee

Without alcohol: no fee

Citywide Event  (regional)

For-Profit Applicant             

With alcohol:  $655 fee

Without alcohol: $340 fee

Non-Profit Applicant            

With alcohol: $315 fee

Without alcohol: no fee

Parking in Metered Districts

If the event closes a street within pay to park metered area, fees are assessed for each metered space in the closed street area.  The current fee is $7.26 per space, per day.  

For Questions or more information:

Email:  pbotcommunityevent@portlandoregon.gov

Phone: 503.823.7073

Fax:    503.279.3953