Application for Permit to Assemble
At NYS Office of General Services (OGS) Managed Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: When submitting an application for a permit to assemble the applicant should be the organization involved unless the event is truly being organized solely by an individual. Further, the applicant’s name, address, and contact information must match on all supporting documents, such as letters of intent, certificates of insurance, etc. If the information does not match, the application will not be approved.
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