MAYOR'S OFFICE OF FILM, THEATRE AND BROADCASTING (MOFTB)
The Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting (MOFTB) has been the central clearinghouse for the international production center that provides New York's entertainment professionals with employment and generates just over $5 billion annually. This office is an advocate for all kinds of productions, from major feature films and television series, to commercials, music videos, documentaries and student films. As the first film commission in the country, MOFTB is the one-stop shop for all production needs in New York City, including free film permits, free public locations, and free police assistance.

NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT (NYPD)
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) issues parade and sound permits for events throughout New York City. A parade permit is required in order to conduct a procession, parade or race within the City of New York and must be obtained from the Police Department. A Department-issued application must be filed with the precinct in which the parade formation area is located. Additionally, applications for parade routes including any portion of Fifth Avenue in the Borough of Manhattan or for parades with 1,000 or more participants must be filed with the Office of the Chief of the Department. A sound permit is issued for events that require amplified sound by a device. Sound permits will be issued by the local precincts. A "sound device" is any radio or device or apparatus for the amplification of any sound from any radio, phonograph, or other sound making or sound producing device, or any device or apparatus for the reproduction or amplification of the human voice.

DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION (DPR)
The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) manages more than 1,700 parks and other facilities within the City of New York. Any group that wishes to hold an event in a City park (or on any other piece of property under the Department's jurisdiction) must obtain a permit. The Parks Department issues permits for athletic events (charitable and non-charitable events), or general, promotional, commercial, and private events held within a park. Temporary use authorization/vendor permits are required for revenue-generating activities and may be obtained from the Parks Department at least two weeks prior to the event.

STREET ACTIVITY PERMIT OFFICE (SAPO)
The Mayor's Street Activity Permit office (SAPO), a unit within the Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management, issues permits for street fairs, festivals, block parties, commercial/promotional events, and other events on the City's streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian islands. SAPO processes over 5,000 applications annually and works closely with community boards, event producers, and other City agencies to coordinate events with all internal and external parties. SAPO requires 60 days to process block party applications and recommends 14 days to process commercial and promotional applications. Applications for street fairs or events occupying multiple blocks or taking place for multiple days must be submitted by December 31st of the previous year

SUPPORT PERMITTING AGENCIES

DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS (DCA)
The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) issues vendor permits for street fairs to vendors selling merchandise and operators of rides or games. Along with these permits, the DCA also administers permits for temporary food vendors on behalf of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS (DOB)
The Department of Buildings issues building permits for anyone who intends to build or erect a temporary structure for a special event. To obtain permits, the plans for constructing a stage, platform, tent, and/or prop must be prepared by a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA). The PE, RA, or expeditor must submit the plans to the Department on behalf of the event organizer and include a $100 filing fee. If the Department's plan examiner has any legal objections to the application or plans, they are presented to the project PE or RA for resolution. If the Department's objections have been satisfied, the application and plans are approved.

DOB does not need to review plans that are self certified by a PE or RA. Additionally, events with 200 or more people gathered in a confined outdoor space requires a Temporary Place of Assembly permit issued by the Department of Buildings.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE (DOHMH)
The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) issues permits for special events that include petting zoos, pony rides, and other animal exhibits.  The DOHMH also created the Temporary Food Establishment program, administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs.  The Temporary Food Establishment program issues permits and conducts inspections of establishments (booths, tents, and kiosks) that commonly prepare and sell food at festivals, street fairs, and other such activities that operate for a period of fourteen days or less. Temporary Food Service Establishment Permits are issued to food vendors that will be cooking processed and non-processed food.  Candidates must complete the application for permit form and the Temporary Food Service Establishment Application Attachment form. If you intend to manufacture or sell frozen desserts, a separate application permit form must be completed. Bring the completed forms and the required documentation to the Licensing Center between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm at least five (5) business days prior to the event. Applications must be submitted in person; none will be accepted by mail.

DEPARTMENT OF SANITATION (DSNY)
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) works with primary and support permitting agencies to effectively manage a city event. While DSNY does not issue permits, the Department of Sanitation is a vital part of event coordination. The department is given the necessary applications that facilitate its own planning, while also taking responsibility for billing sponsors well in advance for personnel and equipment that will be necessary for the cleanup after an event. 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)
The Department of Transportation (DOT) issues a number of different permits including oversized trucks, cranes, electrical wiring, horse drawn carriages and banners used for events. To facilitate events, DOT also has the authority to remove street lights, street signs, and bollards. All of these are temporary removals and must be paid for by the event sponsors.

HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION/DEPT. OF SOCIAL SERVICES (HRA/DSS)
The Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services issues permits authorizing the solicitation of funds for charitable purposes in the City of New York only to non-profit groups, organizations, associations and corporations, and organizations for street solicitations (i.e. - pledges for a walk-a-thon/bike-a-thon; door-to-door canvassing with kits; soliciting with receptacles). Non-profit organizations participating as a vendor in a street fair approved by the Street Activity Permit Office shall also apply to the Public Solicitation Section for a license to conduct solicitation at the fair.

NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT (FDNY)
The New York City Fire Department requires permits if dangerous flammable materials are being used at an event or in an event's production. The FDNY issues three separate permits in the areas of fuel, generators, and pyrotechnics. In these cases, the FDNY requires an inspection, submission of application papers, and a fee for services.