(May 3, 2017) Spring is finally here and that means it's time to start planning for your summer block party! Block parties are great for community-building. There is no better way to get to know your neighbors than by opening up your street for a potluck, barbecue, dance party or any other creative ideas you have to bring people together!

Ready to start planning? The first step to a successful block party is applying for a permit from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to safely open your block for people of all ages to gather, play and enjoy a car-free street.

To that end, PBOT is excited to announce some changes this year that will make throwing block parties easier than ever:

Rather than obtaining signatures from residents on your block, you simply have to share a notification flyer with your neighbors—just be sure to attach it to your application.

We now offer an online application and payment system for block parties. You can file all your paperwork from the comfort of your home!

Do you live east of 82nd Avenue? This summer, we are waiving permit fees for East Portland! PBOT is also providing special, pink block party barricades for closing the street safely that can be picked up at select East Portland community locations at no cost. If you want to apply through our new online form, apply through our East Portland block party application available on our website. You can also apply using our standard paper application.

PBOT is also providing special, pink block party barricades for closing the street safely that can be picked up at select East Portland community locations at no cost. If you want to apply through our new online form, apply through our East Portland block party application available on our website. You can also apply using our standard paper application. We have newly translated paper applications in Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, Somali, and Russian to make throwing a block party easier for everyone in Portland.

Go to www.pbotblockparty.com to find everything you need to apply for your block party! Our site will direct you to our new online application and payment portal, and translated paper applications.

Have questions? Want to learn more about the Block Party program?

Visit www.pbotblockparty.com, call (503) 823-4003 or email pbotblockparty@portlandoregon.gov.