Get Special Area Permit Application

Rides and inflatables, such as truck mounted rides and bounce houses require a DOB Inspection Certificate and insurance. The ride company that you hire should provide this documentation. Petting Zoos or other non-domesticated animals require a permit from the Department of Health and insurance.

All special events permits require a $25.00 nonrefundable administrative processing fee, and permits require at least 30 days for processing. You may apply online or obtain a paper copy in person at one of our borough permit offices. To learn about barbecuing in parks, please visit our Designated Barbecuing Areas page.

More than 2,500 events take place in Central Park every year. What is a special event? A special event can be as small as a birthday party with 20 guests or as large as the annual New York City Marathon, with more than 50,000 participants crossing the finish line and thousands of spectators standing by.

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.

New York State Town Law Section 274-b defines a Special Use Permit as “authorization of a particular land use which is permitted in a zoning ordinance or local law, subject to requirements imposed by such zoning ordinance or local law to assure that the proposed use is in harmony with such zoning ordinance or local law ...

Another warm-weather option is a public park or playgrounds like Central Park, Riverside Park or Prospect Park. To have a party in a public park you officially need a permit and you can not erect tables or chairs!

All special events permits require a $25.00 nonrefundable administrative processing fee, and permits require at least 30 days for processing. You may apply online or obtain a paper copy in person at one of our borough permit offices. To learn about barbecuing in parks, please visit our Designated Barbecuing Areas page.

You must have a Special Event permit to hold any event with more than 20 people in a park or on a beach, including barbecues and parties. You will be advised if you need any additional permits for your event once you submit the application.