Public space #3: permit questions
Goal: Complete necessary permits to use public space.
This section helps you anticipate and prepare for the permitting process for public space events. Permits can feel opaque, especially if you’re producing in public space for the first time, so our goal here is to demystify what cities typically ask for, how long things take, and what materials you may need to have ready.
Tips
The bigger your event is, the more questions will be asked and the earlier you should submit your application. (For example, Street Works — equivalent to 2 blocks — aims to submit ~5 months in advance, even if we might not hear from reviewers until much later).
The permit office may have follow-up questions. Back and forth in these questions can take several weeks. Keep checking in on your application to avoid delays on your part.
Get to know the permit team!
Questions
At the button is a worksheet of common questions & document uploads that you may be required to submit if you’re applying for an NYC permit.
You can download and fill it out to start thinking about what the city might ask and the type of event you might want to create. Always refer to the permit application itself for the most accurate information. The application questions depend on the city agency, event purpose, and more. Many questions help ascertain the risk of injury or accident. For example, the more complex the structures, the more follow-up questions will be asked and care expected.
If you are newer to producing events in public spaces, keep your requirements to a minimum. You can add complexity with experience and budget.
Uploads
Nonprofit status?
Certain public spaces are managed alongside community partners that are nonprofits. If a permit requires insurance, it's also best for individuals to not carry that liability.
Site Layout
Most permits require event producers to upload a site layout that explains the position of activities in the space. At the button, you’ll find tips and general template that you can customize with placements and measurements unique to your location. We hope to build a library of more accurate measurements; please share your layouts at collective@makejusticenormal.org!
Layout Legend
Some permits require event producers to upload a legend that explains the activities in greater detail than you can fit into the layout, such as what the specific activity is each area and when each activity is taking place. At the button, you’ll find a general template that you can customize with placements and measurements unique to your location.
Run of show
Most permits require event producers to upload a run of show that explains when activities are happening, including set up and take down. This is a simple and easy to understand version of the run of show for reviewers to Understand key times. It is not the same as the one of show that you will use to manage the event. (Learn more about that under here.)
Insurance
You should not have to upload insurance when completing your initial permit application, but you might need to purchase it in order to receive approval. You should also be able to purchase it quickly once you've found a provider that works for the specifications. It can take as little as a few days to move from getting a quote to having a policy. The costs of event insurance vary, such as from the $150-$450.
The specifications on insurance may also vary by who operates the public space. Refer to your application instructions. The worksheet may help collect information before getting a quote.
