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Which activities require a Street Activity Permit (SAPO)?
Which activities require a Parks Department Special Events Permit?
The Parks Department issues permits for:
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.
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).
Parks and Recreation
A $25 non-refundable administrative processing fee for all special events permits.
NYPD Parade & Sound Permits
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.
NYPD Parade Permit
The New York City Police Department does not have insurance requirements for parade permits.
What is the approval timeline for my event?
SAPO
Parks and Recreation
NYPD Parade & Sound Permits
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:
If approved, the permit is to be picked up on the day of the event or as directed by the precinct staff.
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.
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's Bureau of Food Safety & Community Sanitation, Temporary Food Service Establishment Inspection Program at 125 Worth Street , Room 1020, CN59A New York, NY 10013. Please call 311, email infobfscs@health.nyc.gov or visit the Temporary Food Service Establishment website for more information.
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 and Worker Protection located at 42 Broadway, Lobby, 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 the Parks Special Event Permit Request website or call 311.
Is alcohol allowed at my event?
Application Notice To Local Municipality Or Community Board
Attention
Standardized Forms for Notice to Local Municipalities and Community Boards
The Alcoholic Beverage Control Law requires that, in connection with the submission of certain types of on premises alcoholic beverage applications to the State Liquor Authority, the new applicant (or the licensee-applicant in the case of a renewal) must provide a 30-day advance notice to the Local Municipality or Community Board that such an application is being submitted.
The 30-day advance notice requirement is intended to provide Local Municipalities and Community Boards with an opportunity to make their views known to the State Liquor Authority.
It is important that the new form be used, fully completed, and promptly mailed. Forms will not be accepted via email. They must either be mailed, certified, return receipt (the green card) or hand delivered to our office. (Please note that do the the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, you must make an appointment to deliver the form in-person.
A new applicant's (or a renewal applicant's) failure to use and fully complete the appropriate standardized form will result in significant delay in the issuance of the applied-for license.
For additional information visit: the NY State Liquor Authority website