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Permits
Permitting on Roosevelt Island
The Roosevelt Island Permits Department strives to schedule opportunities for growth by permitting an array of diverse programs and events that promote recreational, community, environmental, and personal development.
There are different guidelines and permitting schedules based for different locations. Please follow the links to the left for more information!
Helpful Hints to Move You Through the Permit Process
Securing a Permit is Easy! Here Are a Few Tips:
- 1Did you know you can see if the space you would like to permit is available before submitting your request? Check facility schedules here!
- 2If you're interested in a location that is not listed, simply email your specific dates and times of interest to permits@rioc.ny.gov.
- 3Be sure to keep your requested dates within the range that is currently being permitted - each location/space has a different range. You can find each location's specific permitting schedule by clicking the appropriate link on the left side of this page. Remember, RIOC cannot guarantee or hold dates outside of the current permitting window.
- 4Once you have confirmed availability either via online calendar or from staff, fill out a permit application.
- 5Remember, the times you are permitted for are the times IN and OUT of a space. Example: If your permit is from 4:00PM to 6:00PM, this means setup may begin at 4:00PM and breakdown must be completed by 6:00PM.
- 6Once a permit application is submitted, please allow up to 10 business days for processing. Applications are processed in the order they are received.
Attention Roosevelt Island Permit Holders: The Civic Permits reservation system is now accepting credit card payments online.
Checks can be delivered to the Permits Department at 550 Main Street or mailed to 426 Main Street, NY, NY 10044.
*RIOC may adjust the fee schedule and categories at its discretion.
Insurance
ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A CERTIFICATE OF LIABILITY.
If you already have one, great! If not, you should wait to secure one until you receive a confirmation of your request. RIOC does not provide these certificates - an internet search for "event liability insurance" will provide guidance. Always shop around and compare quotes.
Insurance Requirements:
- 1Certificate entity name MUST match the organization application name submitted.
- 2Coverage dates MUST be current and cover the permit period requested.
- 3Your certificate must have at least $1 million in general liability.
- 4Five entities must be listed as additional insured:
- - Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation
- - New York State
- - New York City
- - Empire State Development
- - NY State Housing and Community Renewal
*The address for the above entities: 426 Main Street, Roosevelt Island NY 10044.
A sample insurance document is below:
Priority Scheduling During Bulk Permitting Periods
The Bulk Permitting Periods occur for indoor and outdoor facilities prior to upcoming seasons. During this period, any requests submitted will be prioritized based on the following:
- 1 Roosevelt Island Youth 501c3
- 2 Roosevelt Island Youth Organization
- 3 Adult Community Group
- 4 Non-Profit 501c3
- 5 For Profit Group
After the bulk permitting period concludes, requests will be managed on a first come, first serve basis.
Indoor Bulk Permitting Periods:
| Season | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Winter and Spring (January 1st - June 30th) | November 1st - November 10th |
| Summer and Fall (July 1st - December 31st) | May 1st - May 10th |
*When the application period closes, any submitted requests will be permitted on a first come, first serve basis
Outdoor Bulk Permitting Periods:
| Season | Application Period |
|---|---|
| Spring and Summer (April 1st - August 31st) | March 11th - March 21st |
| Fall and Winter (September 1st - December 31st) | June 1st - June 10th |
*When the application period closes, any submitted requests will be permitted on a first come, first serve basis
Change to Permit Request
After a permit request has been approved and an invoice has been issued, the customer has 3 business days to submit a change request. If the submitted changes are approved by RIOC, the invoice will be finalized for payment and a permit will be issued once payment and insurance is received.
NO CHANGES OR EXCHANGES OF SCHEDULED DATES WILL BE ALLOWED TO PERMITS ONCE THEY ARE SIGNED.
Cancellations and late fees apply.
Standard vs Special Event Permit Guidelines
S Standard Event Permit Guidelines
- For any permit involving 50 people or less
- Applications must be received minimum 12 days in advance
- Submit valid insurance within 3 days once approved
- Full payment within 2 days of approval
! Special Event Permit Guidelines
- For any permit involving 50 people or more
- Applications must be received minimum 45 days in advance
- Submit valid insurance within 3 days once approved
- Full payment within 2 days of approval
* The RIOC permitting department reserves the right to reclassify permits based on event details.
** More information may be requested depending on the nature of your event. Including but not limited to: Run of Show, Outreach Materials, etc.
Permit Add-Ons: Table and Chair Rental
RIOC is pleased to offer permit holders the use of our tables and chairs at a very low, applicant-friendly price point for indoor events only. This adjustment will allow us to better maintain and replace any equipment that is lost or damaged during a rental. A refundable security deposit will be required for all rentals. The security deposit will not be refunded if RIOC equipment is damaged or missing.
Package A
| Description | Qty |
|---|---|
| Tables | 12 |
| Chairs | 25 |
Package B
| Description | Qty |
|---|---|
| Tables | 24 |
| Chairs | 50 |
*Tables and Chairs are not rented individually.