My neighborhood association wants to host a small “block party” where we block off a street. Do we need a permit?
In general, the City of Dallas requires organizations to obtain a Special Events permit for any event that involves street closures and is expected to have a total attendance of 100 or more people.
However, a neighborhood block party is exempt from the requirement to obtain a Special Events permit if it is “conducted on a single block and is expected to have fewer than 200 attendees.” Instead, you will be required to obtain a Block Party permit from the Department of Public Works. *Be aware* that you will be required to rent city-approved barricades and signage for your event.
My neighborhood association wants to host a large event with food trucks and live music. Does our event still qualify as a “Block Party”?
If the physical footprint of your event will require the closure of more than one block or if you expect to have more than 200 people in attendance, the City of Dallas will likely classify your event as a “Special Event” and mandate that you obtain a Special Event permit rather than a Block Party permit.
It is important to start the Special Event permit application process during the early planning stages of your event, because the City may impose requirements that add considerable expenses to your budget such as general liability insurance or the hiring of off-duty police officers. Special Event permit applications must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event. (If your event will involve street closures, the deadline to apply is 60 days before the event.)
My neighborhood association wants to host an event in a city park. Do we need a permit?
Events held entirely in a City of Dallas park are subject to the permitting requirements of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department (rather than the Office of Special Events). The Park and Recreation Department has an extensive list of Terms and Conditions that you should review well-ahead of your event.
Our neighborhood wants to host an event in a public school building. How do we make a reservation?
The Dallas Independant School District has a streamlined process for reserving any DISD facility (classroom, auditorium, gym, field, parking lot, etc.). According to DISD policy GKD(Local), Neighborhood associations, homeowner’s associations, and crime watch groups will be granted free use of school facilities for regular meetings held on a school day when classes are not in session. Rental fees are charged for other activities.
Our neighborhood wants to host an event in a City facility that is not a park or recreation center. How do we make a reservation?
The City of Dallas does not have a streamlined application process for reserving city facilities. Below are links to the individual reservation pages for several types of city facilities.
How can our neighborhood association support and partner with our neighborhood schools, fire and police stations, libraries, and parks?
Neighborhood schools, fire and police stations, libraries, and parks are the anchors of a strong and vibrant neighborhood. While our tax dollars already support the day-to-day operations of these organizations, public funding often doesn’t fully support the needs of our teachers and police officers as they carry out their important work. Neighborhood associations can play a vital role in supporting these public institutions through volunteer work and donations.
DISD – DISD partners with Donors Choose, a non-profit organization, to allow teachers to post “fund-a-need” requests for their classrooms.
DISD also welcomes volunteers to serve at schools in the following capacity:
- Volunteer for a single event or on an ongoing basis.
- Join the school’s Parent-Teacher Organization.
- Serve on a public school’s site-based decision making team (SBDM) to work collaboratively with the principal, teachers, parents, and other community members to improve student outcomes.
Dallas Fire Rescue – The Dallas Fire Rescue Department welcomes community members to contribute time, funds, goods or services through its Adopt-A-Station program.
Dallas Police Department – The Dallas Police Department does not have an Adopt-a-Station program for its police stations. Community members should contact their local patrol station to inquire about supporting the station or contact the DPD Community Affairs Department. However, DPD welcomes volunteers and currently operates several volunteer programs.
Dallas Libraries – According to its website, the Friends of the Dallas Public Library in a non-profit organization that supports “libraries and staff by raising money for the collections, programs, events and upgrades to facilities, while assisting in the strategic plans that make the Dallas Public Library an asset to the community.”
Dallas Parks – The Dallas Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, promoting, and enhancing Dallas parks. Neighborhood associations that are interested in supporting enhancements to their local parks can partner with the Dallas Parks Foundation to solicit and manage donations. Additionally, several other non-profits support the maintenance and programming of specific parks and trails such as the Friends of the Northaven Trail, Friends of the Katy Trail, Friends of Oak Cliff Parks, and For the Love of the Lake. As of 1/5/2025, the Dallas Parks Foundation website is not active.