Application for Permit to Assemble
At NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Managed Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What locations are available in Albany, New York for a Permit to Assemble?
Answer: West Capitol Park, East Capitol Park, and Lafayette Park.

Question: What locations are available at other Statewide, OGS managed facilities for a Permit to assemble?
Answer: Space is limited at most OGS-managed facilities. Please contact the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office at [email protected] for more information.

Question: Where do I obtain an application for a Permit to Assemble?
Answer: The application is on the Office of General Services website.

Question: Is there a fee for applying for a Permit to Assemble?
Answer: No, there is no fee.

Question: Where do I submit my application for a Permit to Assemble?
Answer: The completed form should be submitted to the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office via email: [email protected]

Question: Can an Application for a Permit to Assemble be submitted to use space indoors?
Answer: No, Permits to Assemble are only available for outside spaces.

Question: What are the hours of West Capitol Park, East Capitol Park, and Lafayette Park?
Answer: Hours are 6:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Question: What are the hours of the Statewide, OGS-managed facilities?
Answer: Each building has established hours that can be found on the OGS website: Directory of OGS-Managed State Office Buildings. Please contact the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office at [email protected] for more information.

Question: Is there electric power available in West Capitol Park, East Capitol Park, and Lafayette Park? 
Answer: Limited electric power is available only in West Capitol Park on the Swan Street Steps.

Question: Does OGS Provide equipment such as tables, chairs, podium, etc.?
Answer: OGS does not provide any equipment.

Question: Can equipment be setup on the lawn areas?
Answer: No, equipment must be set up on hard surfaces only.

Question: Can an organization put up a tent, shelter, or structure on OGS property?
Answer: It is a violation of OGS regulations to camp, or erect or maintain a tent, shelter, or structure on State property either individually or as part of a public assembly.   

Question: Are motor vehicles allowed into the parks?
Answer: No, motor vehicles are not allowed in the parks.

Question: Can goods be sold during the demonstration?
Answer: The sale of goods or services in conjunction with a public assembly on OGS property is prohibited absent the issuance of a separate permit agreement by OGS.

Question: Is the applicant required to provide liability insurance for the event?
Answer: Yes, a Certificate of Insurance is generally required (Refer to 9 NYCRR Section 301.6 (b) and 301.4(d) on page 3 of the application).

Question: Who is the Certificate Holder on the Certificate of Insurance?
Answer: New York State, Office of General Services, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12242

Question: If we are bringing in buses for this event, who do we contact?
Answer: For Albany, all bus coordination is handled by the City of Albany, Traffic Division 518-462-8016. For all other Statewide, OGS-managed facilities, please contact the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office at [email protected] for more information.

Question: If we are driving individually, where can we park?
Answer: In Albany, visitor parking is available in the V-Lot (P-3 North Lot) of the GNAR Empire State Plaza at a cost of $10.00 per day. For all other Statewide, OGS-managed facilities, please contact the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office at [email protected] for more information

NOTE TO ALL APPLICANTS:
Please be advised that the requested OGS property must be left in the same condition as existed prior to use. Grounds and/or custodial fees may apply when this condition is violated.

From time to time, locations will have restricted access due to planned construction projects. Please contact the NYS-OGS Convention & Cultural Events Office at [email protected] for more information about your desired location.

Updated 1/2025