Commercial block events

We require a permit for block events in business districts.

Requirements

Dates and hours

Let us know the dates of your event on the application. If the weather is bad, you may continue the next day due to rain.

  • Hours include setup time.
  • Weekdays from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Activities protected by the First Amendment may occur for one hour on weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Street closure

You must block both ends of the street. This includes the placement, maintenance, and removal of the barricades.

If traffic control is needed, you must pay hourly fees.

Alcohol

If you plan to sell or serve alcoholic beverages, you must get a temporary alcohol license.  

Apply for a temporary alcohol permit

Security plan and personnel

We require a Security Plan for large block events.

Security deposit

We require a $500 security deposit with your application. This is separate from the permit fee.

Insurance

You must get general liability premises and operations insurance coverage:

  • $300,000 for an individual claim and
  • $1,000,000 for many claims of personal injury or death.
  • You must list the applicant and the City on the liability policy.

Disability access  

The following must comply with Chapter 1341 of the Minnesota State Building Code:

  • Accessibility
  • Parking
  • Seating
  • Signs
  • Ingress and egress for people with disabilities

Read Minnesota State Building Code Chapter 1341

Cleanup

You must clean up the entire area and throw away all garbage. If the area is not cleaned within three hours, the city may charge you the cost of cleanup.

Application 

Download the Block Event Permit Application

Submit applications to the City of Minneapolis Service Center 

Fees

The cost of a commercial block event permit is between $200 - $1,285.  This fee is based on the size of your event and when you submit your application.  Applications for large events should be submitted at least 60 days in advance. We will not accept applications ten days or less before the event. 

See block event permit fees

Application denial

The City will not approve an application for any event that:

  • Would be too close to construction, hospitals or fire stations
  • Conflicts with another scheduled event
  • Would be on a major street, such as an emergency route

Get help

You can meet with a customer service representative about block event requirements. 

See how to get help at the City of Minneapolis Service Center 

Request accessible format

If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.

Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Contact us

Business Licenses & Consumer Services

Community Planning & Economic Development

Phone

612-673-2080

Fax

612-673-3399

Address

Public Service Building 
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415