Play Streets & Block Parties

Step 1: Getting Started

Make sure your play street is:

• Free and open to the general public
• No greater than one block long and does not include an intersection
• On a non-arterial street. You can find your street type here:
  • If there is no line-dotted or solid-running along the middle of the street, it is most likely a non-arterial street.
  • The map linked above shows non-arterials as grey and arterials in other colors
• Not on a street that buses run on or an emergency vehicle route
• Planned to occur between 9:00 AM - and dusk (or until 9:00 PM if dusk is later than that), including setup/cleanup
• Food is allowed at block parties/play streets. The participants can provide it, or another idea may be to have a food truck vendor at your street closure. Tell the vendor to apply for a Street and Sidewalk Activities permit so they can have temporary permission to sell food at your event!

When planning the setup of your event:

• Check out our street closure templates (full and partial) and street closure checklist! You must complete the street closure template and include it when applying. 
• Furniture, structures, and equipment in the street should be easy to move immediately if emergency access is required.
• Large structures like temporary stages, and bouncy houses, are not allowed under this permit. 
• Make sure to follow the City Noise Ordinance. As long as music isn't loud enough to disrupt nearby neighbors and ends before 9 PM, you're most likely following the rules. 

If you'd like to see a comprehensive list of current street closures, check out the below map:

Step 2: Talk to Your Neighbors

We encourage you to communicate with your neighbors before applying for a permit. Coordinating with your neighbors in advance may also help you select dates that don't conflict with another neighbor, who may have visitors or a construction project planned the same day that will bring extra vehicles to your street. You can also identify people who are able to volunteer to help make your event a success! You can use these flyers to notify your neighbors.

If you plan to reach out to your neighbors by e-mail or online, here's a sample e-mail or post for you to use:

Step 3: Apply for your FREE permit

Try to submit your application at least 14 days before your first event.  Applications received less than 14 days prior to the event date may not be processed by the requested date.

When you are ready to apply, head to the Seattle Services Portal by using the button to the right to login! Note: if you've never used the Portal before, you'll need to register and set up an account first. See this helpful article or video on how to do this. Once you are logged in, follow the steps below or check out the instructions in this article:

• Under Create New select "Permits-Street Use"
• Select "Short Term Use" and "Block Party" record type.
• During the application, you will need to provide the host contact information, your proposed dates and times (or if a recurring closure, the recurring days and times), a brief description of your planned activities that will happen in the street, and what part of the street you wish to close (half block closures are also allowed).
• Fill out and upload the appropriate street closure template:
  • Street closure template - full closure
  • Street closure template - partial closure

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Step 4: Prepare to Close the Street

As the permit holder, you are responsible for procuring the required signage and barricades as shown on the approved street closure template uploaded to the permit's Documents tab. We also have a Street Closure Checklist to help you prep!

Barricade Basics

• At the ends of your closure, set up barricades no more than 6' apart and connect them with streamers or rope
• Place barricades behind the extension of the sidewalk to make it easy for people to cross the street
• If you are adjacent to an arterial street, you must use Type 3 barricades (a quick internet search will show you some places to rent Type 3 barricades).
• If you are adjacent a non-arterial street, you may use Type 2 barricades or household items like personal trash bins or furniture that are at least 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Signs, too!

• Play Streets and Block Parties abutting arterial require no-turn signs and Type III barricades as shown on the approved street closure template.  The permittee is responsible for renting or purchasing these traffic control signs. 
• Install a 36"x24" "STREET CLOSED" sign at the center of the street on your Type II/III barricade as shown on the approved street closure template. 
• Here is a PDF version of the sign that you can either print yourself or at a print shop. If you're not printing at a print shop and don't have a printer that can print on this scale, you can still print this PDF, but will need to assemble the sign. You can find  instructions on how to print the sign for assembly here.
• Consider posting  King County Public Health signs at the entrances on either side of the street closure.
• Print informational signs to inform others why the street is closed.
• Signs should be attached to a barricade a minimum of one foot above street grade to be easily visible to drivers.

If your Play Street will end after sunset, you need retroreflective materials so the barricades are visible.  

• If using Type 2 or Type 3 barricades:  These are already retroreflective.
• If using household items: These must be marked with retroreflective tape. Household items must have a minimum of two 3-inch-wide retroreflective bands on all sides, placed 2 inches from the top of the item an with a maximum of 6 inches between the bands.  You can still use the standard Street Closed sign; feel free to outline it in retroreflective tape if you'd like! Please reach out to publicspace@seattle.gov, or tel:206-684-ROAD for any questions or help. 

Example of a household recycle bin with retroreflective tape on it.  

If you need help getting appropriate barricades for your street, we have limited financial resources and may be able to offer assistance. Please email us at  publicspace@seattle.gov  to learn more.

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Step 5: Safely Close Your Street and Have Fun!

It's hard to have fun if you're worried about the safety of your children and friends, so make sure you close the street before you begin! Set up your barricades and signs. Agree on which adult(s) will monitor the barricades. At least one adult must be visible from both barricades and on-site at all times to quickly move the barricades for local traffic. Remember -- local access, deliveries, and emergency vehicles are allowed to enter the closure. The success of the program and safety of your neighbors relies on hosts being alert and responsive to their needs.

A 20-foot fire lane must be maintained at all times, so only easily movable equipment should be on the street. Any large objects that cannot be easily moved are not allowed in the street or on the sidewalk. That's why we don't allow bouncy houses under this permit. Ok, NOW it's time to have fun!

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Step 6: Clean Up and Remove Barricades

When your event is over, please make sure the street is empty of equipment and any activity debris. Clean-up is a great activity to share with all the people who participated! Be sure to remove the barricades and signs and reopen the street to through traffic. 

We'd love to hear from you if you'd like to share what went well, ideas for improvement, or photos from your event. Feel free to email us at publicspace@seattle.gov  or tag us on Twitter at @SeattleDOT!

National Night Out 

Night Out is an annual national event traditionally held in August that is promoted in Seattle by the Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention team. SDOT does not issue permits for these events; instead, participants register on the Night Out web page.

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