Public space #2: understand permits

Goal: Learn about the main public space permit types, and when you should pursue one.

In York City, permits are often when you're holding larger events in public spaces. But there are many different kinds of permits, depending on where you plan to have your event and what you plan to do there. The location might also have its own requirements.

Below, we walk through some of the more common permits for smaller or one day events. This is not an exhaustive list. We'll add to it as we practice; let us know if you have recommendations.

Tips

• Use this to familiarize yourself with the landscape, but you only need to know the rules for the specific space you’re seeking a permit for.

• Consider applying long in advance of your event date if you can.

• Have all permits printed and on hand during the event.

• Permit requirements change without warning; rely on the permitting systems for the most accurate information and let us know if anything has changed.

Permit list

Click on rows to expand them or use the filtering options at the top.

Space Types

Public Parks

Parks are green spaces that are maintained by the NYC parks department. Visit the parks department to see a directory of parks by borough. You need a permit if you want to host over 20 people or would like to reserve a specific spot.

There are different permits for different activities, including special events, film shoots, and athletic fields. Whether you end up submitting or not, it is helpful to create an account.

You don't need a permit to sell art, photography, reading material, or sculpture in city parks, which they describe as “expressive matter.” But there are regulations on where and how. Learn about “expressive matter” here and here, and meet vendors to learn more.

Plazas

Plazas are permanent gathering spots that used to be streets and are managed by the Department of Transportation (DOT). The DOT uses their own language to classify plazas by size and event type. We recommend looking for the plaza by borough first, but you'll need to use their classification system when applying.

Plazas are often run with a community partner. Introduce yourself to the partner, learn about their programs, and take their needs & priorities into consideration. They might submit for you, have permits in place, or have other limitations. If you have trouble reaching them, Street Works might be able to help.

Open streets

Open Streets are temporary or semi-permanent street closures meant for community gathering, created during the 2020 COVID pandemic. They’re run by the DOT.

As of Jan 2025, Open Streets are run through a community partner. Before submitting a permit, introduce yourself to the partner, learn about their programs, and take their needs & priorities into consideration. They might submit for you, have permits in place, or have other limitations. If you have trouble reaching them and the DOT is unable to help, Street Works might be able to. If you’d like to organize event on 34 Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, we can help.

Libraries

You can often reserve space at public libraries, but the reservation process, rules, fees, and limitations are not centralized. You’ll need to call the specific library you are seeking to work with. If you learn anything through this process, please let us know!

Subways

All performers are allowed to practice their craft in subways as long as they follow the subway rules of conduct. Artists can also audition for the MTA’s Music Under New York (MUNY). Submissions are usually open from January-February of each year.

The MUNY program has created confusion about who is allowed to perform in subways: the answer is still anyone who follows the rules of conduct. Unfortunately, police don't always know the rules and have falsely arrested performers or interpreted regulations narrowly. Know your rights, talk to other performers, get to know station staff, and bookmark the code of conduct. Citylore and Gothamist provide excellent details, but they may not be up-to-date.

Sound

After you've received your public space permit, you will need to apply for an separate sound permit if you’re amplifying sound in any way. Sound permits are from the precinct where the event is expected to take place. Street Works can help connect folks to the 115th Precinct in Jackson Heights. If you're amplifying sound, note it on the public space permit application.

• Contact the local precinct of your event as soon as you have the public space permit and let them know about your event. They should have it on their calendar.

• Apply for a sound permit at the precinct of the event ~5 days before the event. Call ahead, but walk in if you have trouble reaching a community liaison by phone.

What Else?

Applicants can work with the city to close active streets, from one block to many blocks! Because we focus on small arts collectives and artists who aspire to work in public space, we don’t going to go into those details yet; they require more planning and resources than most small organizations, including Street Works, can sustain.

Also, the Open Streets program has gone a long way to enabling the kinds of events that used to require a full street closure. Consider exploring this infrastructure first.