Block Party Rentals in Chicago: Tables, Tents and the Permit Steps

A block party is the cheapest way to turn a street into a neighborhood. The city already has a process, and the rentals are straightforward once you know how much of the street you can use. The work is in the permit, the neighbors and the layout.

The permit, step by step

The City of Chicago's Department of Transportation (CDOT) describes the process on its block party permit page. The main points as of the page we reviewed:

• Residents apply through their local aldermanic office, which reviews the request and enters it into the online permitting system.
• Requests must reach CDOT at least three business days before the event. Permits are first come, first served.
• You must show that a majority of residents on the affected block approve.
• Permits are for the street where you live, and for a single block, intersection to intersection.
• Permits are not issued on arterial streets or bus routes, for more than one day in a row, or for commercial purposes. Access to metered or pay-box parking must stay open.
• Businesses and outside organizations apply for a festival permit instead.

Individual ward offices add their own steps. One ward's page we read asks for requests at least two weeks ahead, closes streets from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and says the office does not supply barricades. Another ward may differ. Call your own ward office early, and read the CDOT page for the current rules. For more city guides, see our Chicago planning guides.

Rules change, and suburbs run their own permit programs through the village hall or police department. If you are outside the city, ask your village.

Lay out the street

Residential streets are often about 25 to 30 feet wide curb to curb, but yours will vary, so measure. A common practice is to keep a clear lane of at least 12 feet down the middle in case an emergency vehicle needs to pass. Ask your ward office or fire department if they have a specific requirement.

What to rent

Use stackable, light chairs; garden folding chairs, estimated at $5 to $7, are easy to carry down a block. For tents, anchor with weights, not stakes, because you are on asphalt. See what size tent you need, and read tent on a driveway or parking lot if available in your area. For a potluck, long tables with no linens work, or use paper rolls to keep cleanup easy.

Power, shade and cleanup

Neighbors can run an extension cord from a porch outlet, but cords across a street are a trip hazard and a liability, so cover them with a cord ramp and route them along the curb. Read outdoor extension cord safety before you run any. Ask neighbors to set out their black and blue bins, as one ward suggests, and bring extra trash cans. Fireworks are illegal at one ward's block parties, and bounce houses go through a separate city program, so check before you book either.

Plan the street

Book a free 15-minute seating call and we'll count tables and chairs for your block, or request a quote with your date and street address.