Temporary D.C. act would let residents request Porchfest closures on streets where they live

Once the act takes effect, a D.C. resident may apply to close the street where they live for Porchfest. Porchfest is a neighborhood music festival with performances on residents’ private property or public property directly beside it. The festival must charge no fee to people taking part or attending. An application does not guarantee a street closure. The act lasts no longer than 90 days after it takes effect.

Once the act takes effect, District officials must not deny a block party application because it is part of a covered festival. The request must be part of Porchfest or another neighborhood festival spread across several sites on the same date. This rule does not guarantee approval. This rule applies while the act is in effect, for no longer than 90 days after it takes effect.