Click the links below to learn about different steps in the process.
Apply
To apply for a SAPO permit please visit E-Apply.
Step 1: If you have not done so already, create an account and complete the registration enrollment form.
- If you have an E-Apply account through SAPO or another agency ( DCAS, NYPD, NYC Parks, NYC Media & Entertainment), you do not need to create a new account. Please log in using your existing account.
Step 2: View and Request the appropriate event type. View eligible event types.
Step 3: Provide general event information. You will request event dates and fill in event sponsor and event producer contact information.
Step 4: Request your event location based on streets and pedestrian plazas available.
Step 5: Fill out the questionnaire with as much detail as possible. Only include elements that will be on the street, sidewalk or pedestrian plaza spaces.
Step 6: Upload any required supporting documents.
Step 7: Pay a non-refundable processing fee by credit or debit card of $25.
Once the processing fee is paid, the application is submitted directly to SAPO, NYPD, Community Board and the appropriate Plaza Partner when applicable.
Agency Review
After the application has been submitted online, the agency review begins and your application is placed into a "pending" status.
During SAPO review:
- SAPO will begin the review process and may reach out to the applicant if information is incomplete, or if SAPO needs to discuss the event further.
- An applicant report will be generated with a description and contact information for each necessary support permit, and a link to this information is emailed to the applicant.
- After initial review, SAPO will contact all pertinent City Agencies for their recommendations.
- Upon feedback from City Agencies, SAPO may require the applicant to modify the event, change the event date or locations, or deny the event.
- SAPO may require additional information about the proposed event or documentation from the Applicant; including site plans, production schedules, or insurance.
- During the review process, SAPO may require a meeting or site visit with the applicant and other City Agency partners.
During CB/Plaza Partner review:
- Community Board or Plaza Partner may require the applicant to present their event in person before recommending approval.
- Community Board or Plaza Partner may require you to submit signatures from local businesses and residents, site plans, production schedules, or verification of an organization's connection to the community.
Other Agency Requirements:
- Additional City of New York support permits may be required. The applicant must obtain these in order to receive their SAPO permit.
Denial
At any time during the agency review process your application can be issued a denial or a recommendation for denial by the Community Board, Plaza Partner, SAPO or other City Agency.
Community Board/Plaza Partner Denial:
- If the Community Board or Plaza Partner recommends approval with conditions or denial of the permit application, a denial notification will be sent to the applicant that includes specific reasons for the Board's or Plaza Partner's recommendation to deny.
- An applicant shall have five (5) business days from the receipt of the Community Board's or Plaza Partner's notification to file written comments with SAPO.
- If the applicant does not file an appeal within the five (5) days, SAPO will uphold the Community Board's or Plaza Partner's denial.
SAPO Denial:
- If denied by SAPO, the applicant will receive an email and a written letter outlining the details of the denial.
- The applicant can appeal the denial and shall have five (5) business days from receipt of the notification of a denial, or an approval with conditions, or a denial of a waiver of the insurance requirement by the Director of SAPO to file a written appeal with the Executive Director of CECM.
Other Agency Denials:
- Your application may also receive a recommendation of denial or a denial of a supporting permit from other City Agencies.
- You must contact the City Agency directly to address their denial.
- SAPO cannot override another City Agencies' permit requirements or denials.
Invoice
Street Event and Plaza Event applicants will receive an invoice for any fees assessed for the event.
- All fees must be paid in full before SAPO approves the permit.
- You may pay your street activity permit fee online with a credit card or check by visiting City Pay.
- If you have an outstanding invoice with another City Agency, SAPO will not approve your permit.
Approval
When all necessary information has been received (i.e. support permits, insurance, assessment fees), and relevant agencies have signed off, the applicant will be issued a permit.
- SAPO approval does not constitute permission from other agencies.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant or event sponsor to secure all necessary City of New York permits and provide documentation to the SAPO prior to permit issuance.
- Permits are issued approximately two weeks prior to the event date (except for Street Events).
- Once approved, you must log-in to E-Apply to download and print your approved permit. This permit should be made available upon request at your event.
- It is the responsibility of the applicant to secure and post all no parking signs. No parking signs are obtained from the local precinct by presenting your approved SAPO permit.