1) Which activities require a SAPO Permit?

• Special Event, Commercial/Promotional Permits: Promotions, stunts, red carpet events, press conferences, and media days.
  
  
• Street Festival/Block Party Permit: Street festivals including all multi-day and/ or multi-block events, block parties, religious ceremonies, and farmers' markets.
  
  
• If you want more information on applying for these permits please go to www.nyc.gov/sapo or call 311.

2) Which activities require a Parks Department Special Events Permit?
The Parks Department issues permits for:

• Athletic events (charitable and non-charitable events), general, promotional, commercial, and private events held within a park.
  
  
• Temporary use authorization/vendor permits for revenue-generating activities.
  
  
• Events/activities where twenty or more people will be present.
  
  
• School picnics, birthday parties, and field days.
  
  
• If you want more information on applying for these permits please go to www.nycgovparks.org/sub_permits_and_applications/planning_an_event.html or call 311.

3) Which activities require a MOFTB Permit?

• Motion Picture/Television Shooting.
  
  
• Still Photography.
  
  
• Premieres: Red carpet, film, television, and theatre events.
  
  
• If you want more information on applying for these permits please go to www.nyc.gov/film or call 311.

4) Which activities fall under the parameters of obtaining a parade permit?
A "parade" is any procession or race which consists of a recognizable group of 50 or more pedestrians, vehicles, bicycles, or other devices moved by human power, or ridden or herded animals proceeding together upon any public street or roadway.

• Parade permits are issued by the New York Police Department. If you want more information on applying for these permits please go to www.nyc.gov/nypd or call 311.

5) How do I obtain a permit for an event in a City Park?

• To request a special events permit, fill out the special event permit application at www.nyc.gov/parks and submit it, with your $25 processing fee, to your Borough Special Events Office.
  
  
• The process for reviewing applications for large scale special events is as follows:
  • The Borough Special Events Division reviews the application and forwards it to Citywide Marketing and Special Events.
  • Citywide Marketing and Special Events reviews the application.
  • Detailed information from the applicant is requested.
  • A site visit is conducted with the Park Manager and the applicant.
  • A site fee is assessed based on the Concession Fee Schedule.
  • Parks obtains the necessary approvals within its department.
  • Parks executes the contract, reviews the applicant's insurance, and collects the bond and site fee.
  • The special event permit is issued.
    
    
• NOTE: All events are subject to the approval of the Commissioner.

6) How do I obtain a permit to film a Commercial, TV or Movie Production?

• Applications can be obtained online or in person at 1697 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
  
  
• Contact the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting for assistance at (212) 489-6710 or by calling 311.

7) How do I obtain a NYPD Parade Permit for a parade, bike race, running race, procession, etc.?
You can download the Parade Permit application online at www.nyc.gov/nypd by selecting the "Permit" icon on the left side of the page.

• Complete all captions and abide by all notes on the application.
  
  
• Prepare three (3) copies of application with original signatures; ONE COPY MUST BE NOTARIZED.
  
  
• Forward completed application to:
  NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
  OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATION REVIEW SECTION
  300 GOLD ST. RM#305
  BROOKLYN, NY 11201
  ATTENTION: PARADE SECTION
  
  
• For inquiries regarding the application process, call (718) 834-3390 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

8) What fees are associated with my event?

SAPO
A $15 non-refundable processing fee is required for all permit applications (only certified checks or money orders made payable to the NYC Department of Finance are accepted).

• Block Parties: No fee (except for the $15 non-refundable processing fee).
  
  
• Street Festivals: For street activities which occupy more than one block, a fee equal to 20% of the total fees paid by the vendors to participate shall be charged (in addition to the $15 non-refundable processing fee).
  
  
• Promotional Commercial Events: See the SAPO website at www.nyc.gov/SAPO for complete SAPO Fee Scale based on event details (in addition to the $15 non-refundable processing fee).

Parks and Recreation
A $25 non-refundable administrative processing fee for all special events permits.

• If your event has over 500 people, or if it is promotional or commercial in nature, it is subject to a site fee.
  
  
• If your event has over 500 people, or if it is promotional or commercial in nature, please include an event description with your application.
  
  
• See Parks and Recreation website at www.nyc.gov/parks for complete Concession Fee Scale.

Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting

• Filming: No Fees.
  
  
• Red Carpet Premiere Permits: In order to expedite the entire permit process and cover all costs incurred by the City, the following fee schedule will be in effect as of 7/10/05:
  • Small Venues (seating capacity of up to 600) Fee: $1750.
  • Medium Venues (seating capacity of more than 600 less than 1200) Fee: $3100.
  • Large Venues (seating capacity greater than 1200) Fee: $5000.
  • All fees include permission for the following:
    
    
• One Curb lane Closure
  
  
• One Red Carpet
  
  
• One Press Pen
  
  
• One Generator
  
  
• One Klieg Light
  
  
• One Tent 10 by 20
  
  
• Any additional items will be a separate fee. Certified checks or money orders should be made out to the Department of Finance and handed in to MOFTB at time of permit issuance.

NYPD Parade & Sound Permits

• Parade Permits: There is no fee required to apply for a parade permit.
  
  
• Sound Permits: A fee of $45 for the first day's use of the permit will be required upon approval of the application and receipt of the sound device permit. Make Bank Teller's Check, Certified Check or Money Order payable to the Police Department, City of New York.

9) What are the insurance requirements for my event?

SAPO
 An Insurance Certificate of Liability listing New York City as an additional insured for $1 million is required for all commercial/promotional events, street festivals, and block parties with rides at the event.

Parks and Recreation
The organizer is required to obtain an original certificate of liability insurance for the amount of $1 million personal liability with a food and beverage rider (if food or beverages are to be sold) including $1,000,000.00 property damage insurance. This insurance certificate must name the City of New York and NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, The Arsenal, 830 5th Avenue New York, NY 10021 as Certificate Holder and Additional Insured. The location of the special event must also be named as the insurance certificate.

Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting
The MOFTB requires a General Liability policy for at least $1 million naming "the City of New York as additional insured pursuant to, or with coverage at least as broad as, ISO Form G 20 26 (11/85ed.)" for all shooting, scouting, and rigging permits. An Original Insurance Certificate must be submitted; no photo copies are accepted.

NYPD Parade Permit
The New York City Police Department does not have insurance requirements for parade permits.

10) What is the approval timeline for my event?

SAPO

• Street Festivals: Applications must be received by December 31st of the preceding year. Applicants then begin the approval process. If your application is denied, you will receive a notice in writing stating the reason for denial. Applicants should expect to receive their permit once all appropriate paperwork and payments are received by SAPO, usually one week prior to the event.
  
  
• Special Events: Applications must be received 14 days prior to the date of the event. Applicants will be notified if their application is denied. Applicants should expect to receive their permit once the total invoice fee is paid and all necessary paperwork and support permits are received.
  
  
• Block Parties: Applications must be received by SAPO 60 days prior to the date of the event. In addition, applicants must submit their application to the local Community Board for their recommendation at least 90 days prior to the event. Applicants will be notified if their event does not meet block party criteria. Applicants should expect to receive their permit two weeks prior to the date of their event if all necessary paperwork has been provided.
  
  
• NOTE: SAPO does not release any permits until all fees, insurance, and proof of support permits are received. Applicants must have the permit on location during the event.

Parks and Recreation

• Special Event Permits: Require at least 21 to 30 days to be processed.
  
  
• Demonstrations and Rallies: Require 5 to 7 days notification.
  
  
• The Parks Department processes applications on a first-come, first-serve basis; allow 3-4 weeks processing time.

Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting

• Applicants must submit an official permit application to the MOFTB no less than two weeks prior to the date of the event.
  
  
• All requests for a Premiere Permit should begin with the MOFTB.
  
  
• Permits can be issued within 24 hours of application.
  
  
• The deadline for permit applications is by noon the day before your scheduled shoot.
  
  
• Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, the MOFTB makes every effort to process your permit as quickly as possible.

NYPD Parade & Sound Permits

• Parade Permits: An application in a form prescribed by the New York Police Department must be filed with the precinct in which the parade formation area is located; provided, however, that applications for parade routes including any portion of Fifth Avenue in the borough of Manhattan or for parades with 1000 or more participants must be filed with the office of the Chief of Department. An application for a permit will be made at least 36 hours prior to the date upon which the parade is to occur.
  
  
• Sound Permits: You must go to your local precinct and file an application at least five days in advance of your event.

11) If there is amplified sound at my event, do I need a permit?
Yes, you must go to your local precinct's Community Affairs Unit and do the following:

• File for a Sound Device Permit Application (this can be downloaded from the NYPD website at www.nyc.gov/NYPD or go to the local precinct for an application).
  
  
• All answers must be either typewritten or printed in ink.
  
  
• File application in the precinct where the device is being used.
  
  
• File application at least five days before the day of the event.
  
  
• A fee of $45 for the first day's use of the permit will be required upon approval of the application and receipt of the sound device permit.
  
  
• Make Bank Teller's Check, Certified Check or Money Order payable to the Police Department, City of New York.

If approved, the permit is to be picked up on the day of the event or as directed by the precinct staff.

12) Do I need a permit to lay a red carpet and ropes & stanchions on the sidewalk? Do I need a permit to construct a tent on a City street?

SAPO
Yes. To conduct any type of activity on the City streets or sidewalks such as laying red carpet, rope and stanchions, tables, banners, and/or a tent, you must obtain a permit from the Street Activity Permit Office. Please complete a Special Event application found on our Web site at www.nyc.gov/SAPO and submit it to the SAPO.

Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting
Yes.  To conduct any type of red carpet event or film premier you must Contact the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting for assistance at (212) 489-6710 or by calling 311.

13) What is the difference between a street festival and a special event?
A street festival is hosted by a not-for-profit, community organization and is generally organized as a fundraiser for the organization. Street festivals often have food, merchandise vendors and rides. Special events are sponsored by promotional/commercial entities and may include red carpets, grand openings, parking of generators, a sky tracker, or promotional vehicles.

14) If I am selling and/or cooking food at my event, do I need a permit?
If your event is more than 1 block and you are selling and/or distributing food, you are required to obtain a temporary health food license from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 42 Broadway, 5th Floor. Please call 311 or visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/inspect/ispecial.shtml for more information.

15) Is sampling allowed on City streets?
A permit is not required for sampling if the items are kept on your person and nothing is placed on the street or sidewalk such as a table, boxes or bags. Sampling from the back of a parked vehicle is prohibited. If you are setting up a table, banners, coolers or other promotional materials you will need to obtain a permit from the Street Activity Permit Office. Please complete a Special Event application found on our Web site www.nyc.gov/SAPO and submit it to the Street Activity Office. In addition, if you are sampling any type of food (even pre-packaged food) you will be required to obtain a permit from the Health Department. (http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/inspect/ispecial.shtml)

16) Can I sell merchandise at my event or block party?

SAPO
Yes. However, to sell general merchandise you are required to obtain a Temporary Street Fair Permit from the Department of Consumer Affairs located at 42 Broadway, 5th Floor, NY, NY. You may also call (212) 487-4071 for further information.

Parks  and Recreation
Yes.  You will need to obtain a Temporary Use Authorization from the Parks Department.  For more information please visit www.nycgovparks.org/sub_permits_and_applications/planning_an_event.html or call 311

17) Is alcohol allowed at my event?

• Alcohol is prohibited for all special events held in parklands.
  
  
• Alcohol is prohibited at Parades.

Alcohol is prohibited at Block Parties, Special Events, and Street Festivals.

18) Do I need a permit if I am building a stage for my event?
If you are building a stage over two (2) feet high, you will need to file for a Department of Buildings Structure permit. However, you must file your application first with one of the primary permitting agencies: SAPO, Parks, NYPD, MOFTB and then you will be directed by the permitting agency to contact the Department of Buildings.

19) Do I need a permit to have fireworks or pyrotechnics at an event?
Yes. Once you have filed a permit application with the appropriate agency (SAPO, Parks, NYPD, MOFTB), you will then be directed by the permitting agency to contact the New York City Fire Department to apply for a permit.

20) How can I find out about upcoming events in New York City?
Please visit our Web site www.nyc.gov/calendar and click on the link to the Citywide Events Calendar. Or call 311.