Street Activity Permitting Office Rules

Our office must administer permits by the procedures outlined in the Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO) Rules. Download and read the full list of rules. The City of New York makes all rules available online by visiting the Rules of the City of New York.

Read below for a summary of some of the rules to take into account before applying for an event permit in New York City.

• Before your SAPO permit is administered, your application will receive recommendations for approval from the Community Board and NYPD.
• We will not provide a permit unless all other City agency permits are obtained.
• All events must have a minimum of $1 million certificate of liability insurance unless it is a block party without a ride.
• All street events, including block parties and street fairs are required to recycle.
• All events with a full street closure must allow for a 15 foot emergency vehicle lane.
• Rain dates are not permitted.