Town clarifies block‑party permit rules, requires neighbor signatures for road closures

Town staff explained a recent change to the block‑party permit application that requires organizers to collect signatures from neighbors affected by a proposed road closure so the town can verify the event is a neighborhood block party rather than a private party.

"They are required to go door to door and get signatures of the neighborhood," a town staff member said, describing why the requirement was added after several permits were used for private events that restricted egress for other residents. Staff said signatures are intended as notification and legitimacy rather than a numerical yes‑or‑no vote.

Board members sought objective parameters, asking how many signatures are required and whether a majority is needed when some affected residents oppose a closure. Staff replied that the signatures indicate awareness and that the town treats them as notification rather than a formal vote; they also recommended applicants submit materials at least three weeks before the event to allow department reviews (building inspector, police, highway) and board scheduling.

Officials also described operational responsibilities: highway crews drop off and pick up A‑frame barricades while homeowners place and remove them, and police review requests for safety concerns and may recommend relocation or denial if a closure would create hazards. The board discussed drafting clearer language to reduce subjective decisionmaking and relieve staff from having to perform door‑to‑door verification in every case.