The DC government issues licenses and permits for street vending and special events involving street or ally closings, parades, block parties, or fireworks. The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) issues special-event licenses, for which there is a fee. Public space permits for smaller events, such as block parties, are free and issued by the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). There is currently a moratorium on street vending licenses; when available, they are issued by DCRA. Applications for all licenses and permits may be obtained at the DCRA, 941 North Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20002, (202) 442-4400. Appointments are preferable.

• Public Space Permit
  
• Special Events Licenses
  
• DCRA Special Events Contacts
  
• Street Vending Licenses
  
• Laws Governing Special Events and Vending

• they obtained the written consent of 51 percent of present occupants of the block to be closed for the event; and
  
• they obtained the consent of appropriate District agencies and departments, including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS), Metro, and the Department of Public Works (DPW).

• written consent of 90 percent of the businesses and residents within a 500-foot radius of the perimeter of the event; and
  
• written consent of the owner of the property; should your event take place in the street, you would need a street closing (see Public Space Permit); and
  
• a diagram depicting the layout of your event.

• use a generator that produces in excess of 15 amps;
  
• use tents, canopies, and kiosk staging.