Park Event Permit · NYC311 (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to get a NYC parks permit? ›

You will be advised if you need any additional permits for your event once you submit the application. There is a $25 non-refundable processing fee for all Special Events permits. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the City of New York Parks and Recreation. The application takes 21 to 30 days to process.

If your event requires a loud speaker, megaphone, or other sound device, you will also need a Sound Device Permit.

Street or Park

Street performers usually do not need a permit. However, a permit is required if you: Use a sound device such as a loud speaker, megaphone, or stereo. Perform in or next to a park.

You need a permit to:

Have an event with more than 20 people in a New York City park; Conduct a march in a public street; or.

Things to Know Before You Apply. Special Events permits cost $25 to process, and the fee cannot be waived waived (except when requesting an NYC Parks group volunteer project). We will do our best to give you what you request, but this money is not refundable.

Most NYC building permits last for one year but may expire sooner if the applicant's license or insurance expires before the one-year timeframe. However, a permit will be automatically extended at no cost if the applicant renews their license or insurance before the permit's expiration date.

Car honking in NYC

But as it turns out, in New York City, honking your horn is illegal when there is no imminent danger.

Illegal honking accounts for roughly 24 percent of the infractions caught by noise cameras, according to the spokesman. Through the noise camera program, 165 summonses for illegal horn honking were issued in 2023, the spokesman said, and nine had been issued in 2024 as of mid-March. Fines range from $800 to $2,500.

According to 311, “horn honking is only allowed as a warning of danger,” but good luck enforcing that.

You Could Get in Trouble with the Law

It is true that there's currently no New York law directly prohibiting cars with loud music. But if a police officer does catch you blasting music, they can give you a ticket for disturbing the peace.

What music can I play without a licence? ›

So you can play any music by Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Schumann, or any other composer who wrote music before 1922. For information on what music is in the public domain, check out the Pdinfo.com website. Play copyright-free music.

Q: Am I allowed to play amplified music outside? No, music cannot be played in your outdoor seating areas. Only ambient music emanating from your indoor space is permissible as long as all DEP Noise Code for commercial music (here) are followed.

Permission and planning

You need permission for holding most events in our parks and open spaces. Small parties and picnics with minimal infrastructure don't usually require permission. For a guide see our information about picnics and parties section.

It is no longer necessary to obtain a license to permit dancing. However, a business with dancing falls under Use Group 12 (as opposed to an eating/drinking establishment, which is Use Group 6).

Special events permits are required for events/activities where twenty or more people will be present. School picnics, birthday parties, and field days all require a special events permit. Do I need to get a permit for my school or camp group to visit a park, even if we're only going for a few hours?

Permits require at least a minimum of 21 to 30 days to be processed (Different guidelines apply to demonstrations and rallies). Please plan accordingly. We do not accept applications submitted inside the 21 day threshold. How do I apply for a permit for an event on a street or other non-park property?

This process is usually overseen by the buildings management company and they present the information to the board as a packet once all the required documentation is collected. On average, most project approvals take between 2 and 4 weeks once the board receives the package and assuming no permits are required.

Permit review is usually within two to four weeks providing all required information is included when you submit.

Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Most New York State Parks charge a vehicle use fee between $6 and $10 dollars for day use. Parks may also charge additional fees for such amenities as pools and picnic shelter reservations.