Apply for a Block Party License

What is a Block Party License?

Applying with the City for a block party license is an important first step for your upcoming event. Here's why: 

What does a block party license application do? 

• Reserves the time, date, and location you request.
• Prevents conflicts with other nearby events.
• Enables appropriate city assistance to ensure your block party’s safety and success.

Certain conditions are required when applying for a block party license: 

Application conditions: 

• You must apply online on the city’s website.
• Your block party license application may be denied if there are not enough city resources
  available during the proposed date(s) to ensure that it can take place safely.
• Bus routes cannot be closed with a block party license application. Instead, a Public Event License application is required.
• You must be a resident of the street you are requesting to close for your block party.
• You may apply to host a block party on any street, but note that larger and busier streets may require additional review, and approval is not guaranteed. In such a case, city staff may suggest an alternate location.

Application Timeline: 

A completed block party license application should be submitted at least two (2) weeks before its proposed date.

Fees: 

No fee is charged for a block party license.

What documentation is required? 

The city requires that you upload the following documents as part of your application:

• A detailed street map that clearly identifies the location of the block party, as well as any portable toilets, grills, tents, bouncy houses, etc. This map can take the form of an edited version of a Google Maps image, for example.
  • Submitting an illegible map will delay the processing and review of your application.
• Any flyers, brochures, or other explanatory material you will post to notify neighbors and abutters of your proposed block party.
  • This communication should include: your block party date, streets closed for your block party, time of street closure, whether any music will be played, and your name and reliable contact phone number. 

How to Apply

Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions for applying for your block party license through the CitizenServe website. 

The application process

• First, go to the CitizenServe website: https://www.somervillema.gov/citizenserve
• Click on the CitizenServe logo.
• Click “MY ACCOUNT.”
• Log in, or, if this is your first online application, click “REGISTER NOW” to create an account.
• Scroll down and click “APPLY FOR A LICENSE.”
• At Application Type, select “BLOCK PARTY LICENSE.”
• At Business Name, enter the name of your block party. For example, “Highland Street Block
  Party.”
• At “IS THIS APPLICATION FOR A NEW OR EXISTING BUSINESS LOCATION?”:
  • Select “A NEW BUSINESS LOCATION” if this is your first application. Then enter your home
    address and click on “FIND ADDRESS.” If CitizenServe does not identify your address, select
    “USE THIS ADDRESS.” OR
  • Select “AN ADDITIONAL LICENSE FOR AN EXISTING BUSINESS” if you’ve already had a block party before. At “License #” select a license you’ve received before.
• Answer the remaining questions and upload the required documents.
  • Failure to answer these questions completely and accurately may delay the processing and review of your application
• Review the terms and conditions. Don’t proceed until you are ready to accept all of the terms
  and conditions.
• Note that once you submit the form, you may not be able to re-open it to edit it. If you’re not
  ready to submit the form, click “SAVE FOR LATER,” so you can finish it later.
• When you are ready to submit your application, click “SUBMIT.”

You can also find more details on how to apply here. 

License Conditions

Certain conditions apply in relation to your block party license: 

Conditions for ALL Licenses:

• This license is subject to all of its terms, conditions, and limitations, as well as the Somerville Code of Ordinances, and Federal and State law. Failure to adhere to these conditions may result in the revocation of the license and cancellation of the event.
• This block party license is also subject to additional conditions and/or modifications whenever city officials determine that such conditions and/or modifications are required to advance public purposes.
• The license is valid only at the approved location and on the approved date(s), time(s), and rain date(s). Be sure to include any necessary rain date(s) in your application.
• The license is not modifiable. Any changes require the submission of a new application.
• The license is not transferable.
• You and your officers, employees, agents, and representatives hereby agree to release, discharge, indemnify and hold harmless, the City of Somerville and its officers, employees, agents and servants from all actions, causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, loss of services, expenses and compensation associated with this event or your conduct arising from the event, for any damages to the city’s personal and real property resulting from the
  use, and any expenses the city incurs in restoring the property to its condition prior to the use.
• Submission of your application represents your acceptance of these conditions.

Block Party Conditions 

• You must notify all neighboring residents at least one week prior to the event and provide them with someone to contact if they have questions.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near any cooking surface (for example, a grill with open flames) or cooking chamber (for example, a meat smoker) in use.
• Alcohol cannot be consumed or carried in an open container on any public street or sidewalk.

Street Closure Conditions 

• Your block party must not obstruct or inhibit the flow of vehicles or pedestrians except for any street/sidewalk closures or detours specifically described in this application or its conditions.
  • All street closures or detours must be created with devices supplied by the DPW or specified by the Parking Department.
  • Privately owned vehicles cannot be used to block streets. Police take notice, and this
    could force the cancellation of your block party. To ensure that a fire truck, ambulance, or car can get by when necessary, anything placed
    on any street must leave at least twelve (12) feet of clearance.
• Provide at least one week’s written notice to each resident and business that abuts the area, on both sides of the street, inform them of the date and time of the event, and provide them with a way to contact the event organizer(s) in case they have questions.
• Do not make permanent markings on a public street or sidewalk using paint or other indelible materials, or you will be held liable for the cost of removing those markings. You may use chalk for street or sidewalk markings.
• You must post copies of the issued license itself where they are clearly visible to the public at all times during your block party.
• You must ensure that all sidewalks remain clear for access by persons with mobility
  restrictions, including but not limited to wheelchairs.

Rain dates

• If you request a rain date, you may use it only if you notify the city no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on the day before the event. Notify the city by emailing raindate@somervillema.gov or by calling 311. If you do NOT notify the city by 12 p.m. (noon) on the day before the event, the rain date will be canceled, and you will have to submit a new application for review and approval to reschedule the event.

Alcohol

• Alcohol may NOT be consumed outdoors on public property during your block party.

Questions? 

If you have questions about your block party license application, contact licensing@somervillema.gov.

Tips and Guidance

Planning a block party? Read through the guidance below to help make your event planning even easier: 

What we need to know to review your application:

• Your name and contact information
• Block party location
• What fun events will take place during your block party?
• Will you serve food?
• Will you have a grill?
• Live music?
• Structures like tents or bouncy houses?
• Will you need to use metered parking spaces?
• Will your block party be accessible?
• Let us know so we can make sure your party is fun and safe for everyone!

What is permitted at a Somerville block party? 

• Fun (this is mandatory!)
• Grills
• Bouncy houses
• Games
• Music
• Smiles with friends and family!

What is NOT permitted at a Somerville block party? 

• Alcohol
• Blocking streets with private vehicles
• Excessive noise
• Fireworks